Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 3m 27.06s

(3)

Stradivarius²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 121| CD

4/9

Remarkable stayer who arrives here bidding for his ninth straight win in Group company. Won with plenty in hand when landing this race last year and very hard to beat again, despite having to concede a penalty.

Form: 111-111

(4)

Dee Ex Bee²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 119| D

3/1

Back on track over 2m+ in 2019, winning two Group 3 races prior to finishing second in behind Stradivarius twice subsequently. Only beaten a neck last time and 3lb better off at the weights but his rival was good value for the winning margin.

Form: 43-1122

(2)

Falcon Eight^p⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: D K Weld| OR: 111| D

12/1

Landed a decent Listed race at Sandown last time out and gives the impression he has more to give over this sort of trip. Fascinating contender on just his sixth career start but this is a tough ask with another sizable chunk of improvement needed.

Form: 113-21

(5)

Il Paradiso^p³³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 103| D

20/1

Given a tough ask in the Irish Derby and only beat once home. However, bolted up on handicap debut when stepped up in trip next time out. Plenty more needed back up in Group company but gets a useful weight for age allowance.

Form: 322-171

Non-Runners

(1)

Magic Circle⁶⁴

Weight: 9-3| Age: 7

T: Ian Williams J: Jim Crowley

Forecasts

Stradivarius (4/9), Dee Ex Bee (3/1), Falcon Eight (12/1), Il Paradiso (20/1), Magic Circle (25/1)

There has been no stopping STRADIVARIUS over the last couple of seasons at two miles and further and he's going to be hard to beat again, despite having to concede weight to these rivals. Dee Ex Bee looks the main danger once again and he managed to get within a neck of his foe at Goodwood last time when rallying gamely. The Irish raiders are both lightly raced, intriguing candidates with preference for Falcon Eight who won a competitive Listed race at Sandown last time out.