Bet Your Way On The Betfair Exchange Tapster Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 15:43 | Winning time: 2m 39.43s

(5)

Barsanti¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 111| D

9/2

1m4f Ascot Listed winner first time out last year, found Group 2s at Royal Ascot and Newmarket's July meeting beyond him and went close final run in Listed class. Not near best on return defending Ascot crown (13-8, only third of four) 14 days ago.

Form: 14542-3

(4)

Danehill Kodiac¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-1| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 110| D

9/1

Took Ascot Group 3 (1m4f) in 2017 but has raced only six times since. Runner-up both starts last year in Group 3s behind Idaho/Defoe (smart form). Possibly didn't stay 2m on reappearance and since held in AW Conditions event. Bounce-back needed.

Form: 30/22-52

(2)

Mirage Dancer¹⁶⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: P J Dobbs| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 116| CD

4/6

Neck behind Barsanti on reappearance last year at Ascot before landing this contest decisively on good ground (beat four rivals). Also won over C&D in Group 3 at Glorious meeting, 2-2 here and the one to beat now with trainer flying.

Form: 152120-

(1)

Rock Eagle²²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 97| D

7/2

Youngster in line-up and low-mileage to boot. Ran well here last year in handicap over 2f shorter and ended term with fine victory in 1m4f Heritage Handicap at Newmarket (good to firm; 3-1f) in October. Possible improver, likely must do to score.

Form: 12141-

Non-Runners

(3)

Dalgarno¹⁶

Weight: 9-1| Age: 6

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Mirage Dancer (4/6), Rock Eagle (7/2), Barsanti (9/2), Danehill Kodiac (9/1), Dalgarno (16/1)

Last year's winner MIRAGE DANCER defends a 2-2 record over C&D having also taken a Group 3 here at the big festival last summer and looks the one to beat again. His trainer couldn't be in better form right now and his course form supplements the fact he's best on ratings. Rock Eagle appeared to relish this trip when last spotted taking a valuable pot at Newmarket and could improve, while Barsanti can surely leave his recent Ascot run behind and get competitive.