Walter Nightingall Conditions Stakes

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 2m 9.49s

(1)

Desert Fire^p²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Watson| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 102| BF| D

9/4

Progressive last year but hasn't been able to get his head in front this term. Hit the frame once again with creditable fourth in 1m2f Doncaster handicap on latest start but could be vulnerable to a progressive sort in Setting Sail.

Form: 123424

(2)

Setting Sail²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 106| BF| D

4/6

Has mixed it in the best handicap company this season, finishing narrow second in John Smith's Cup on penultimate start before close third at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f). Questions about gameness in a finish but this looks a prime opportunity.

Form: 144123

(3)

Crossed Baton^b1,t1¹²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 103| CD

9/2

Has failed to win since scoring in Listed Blue Riband trail over C&D in April 2018 but has been placed in Group company. Not seen since tame ninth in C&D handicap on Derby Day and may strip fitter for this run.

Form: 17226-9

Forecasts

Setting Sail (4/6), Desert Fire (9/4), Crossed Baton (9/2)

SETTING SAIL has been touted as a group performer in waiting by some and with his rating now surpassing handicap company, this looks to be a nice race to take on his way to pattern company. Desert Fire may set the pace given his running nature in the past and may offer some stern resistance ahead of Crossed Baton, who has a bit to prove on his comeback run from an enforced absence.