Matchbook VIP Henry II Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 19:06 | Winning time: 3m 34.0s

(3)

Dee Ex Bee²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 112| D

4/7

Classy individual who finished second to Masar (beaten 1½L) in the 2018 Derby before unsuccessfully contesting the Irish Derby (seventh) and the St Leger (fourth); stayed on strongly to beat Raymond Tusk by 3¼L in Ascot's Group 3 Sagaro Stakes.

Form: 73243-1

(2)

Fearsome³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: E J Walsh| T: N P Littmoden| OR: 100| D

66/1

Rattled off a four-timer on the AW (mainly over 1m4f at Lingfield) around the turn of the year; stays 2m (is a winning hurdler), but surely out of his depth against this calibre of opponent.

Form: 115345

(6)

Austrian School¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 105| BF

6/1

Tough and reliable handicapper who is a stablemate of Dee Ex Bee and Making Miracles; ready 6L winner of the Queen's Cup at Musselburgh (1m6f, good) on his penultimate start; progressive, but plenty more is required in this company.

Form: 2223-19

(5)

Making Miracles¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 108| D

10/1

Progressive handicapper; always had the measure of his stablemate Austrian School when making most for a commanding 6L win in the Chester Cup (2m2f, soft) a fortnight ago; has earned the right of passage to step into this Group 3 contest.

Form: 003-511

(1)

Mekong²³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 104

7/2

Twice finished behind the Godolphin-owned Ghostwatch in 2018 (in the Melrose at York, and in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot; both 1m6f); has to prove his stamina over 2m - in with an EW shout on seasonal reappearance if doing so.

Form: 721412-

Non-Runners

(4)

Magic Circle¹⁴

Weight: 9-2| Age: 7

T: Ian Williams J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Dee Ex Bee (4/7), Mekong (7/2), Magic Circle (7/2), Austrian School (6/1), Making Miracles (10/1), Fearsome (66/1)

A very strong field stand their ground for the Group 3 Henry II Stakes, including the ultra-impressive 2018 winner Magic Circle (also won the 2018 Chester Cup), and the fast upcoming Making Miracles who led his rivals a merry dance from the outset when hacking up in the 2019 renewal of the Chester Cup a fortnight ago. However, a very clear preference is for the Sagaro Stakes winner and 2018 Derby runner up DEE EX BEE. He has by far the strongest form in the book, recently proving himself over 2m, so rates as the clear pick of the Johnston-trio. All being well, he can take this race in his stride en-route to a prospective shot at the Ascot Gold Cup.