Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (Group 3) (Formerly the Arc Trial)

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 2m 18.34s

(2)

Desert Encounter^h²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-6| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 115| CD

9/4

Failed in Dubai over the winter; gradually worked his way back to his best on these shores taking back-to-back Group 3 contests of late. Third in this last year (stronger contest) having won the race the year before; goes well for today's rider.

Form: 388311

(4)

Pivoine^b¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 110| D

14/1

Best efforts have come at York (904 here); generally come up short at this level, delivered less than he promised in an AW Group 3 last time over 1m4f. Would need to make some fair strides forward to trouble the principals; others appeal far more.

Form: 640159

(5)

Wadilsafa⁴²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 109

11/2

Yet to prove himself at Group level (is a Listed winner); had the run of the race in his best performance this year (runner-up York Listed contest over 1m). Below form twice since at Group 2/3 level; too keen last time, not certain to stay this far.

Form: 11-8264

(1)

Pondus⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: R L Moore| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 107

7/4

Hasn't as yet won outside of novice company; acquitted himself well in his last two starts especially when chasing home a talented individual in a Haydock Group 3 over 1m2f. No surprise to see him step up on that performance; prominent racer.

Form: 411622

(3)

Waldstern^v⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 105

4/1

Winner (1m) on 2yo debut he's been slightly disappointing until returned to handicap in a first-time visor at Newmarket last time (1m2f). That wasn't a deep race and he's up in grade again here but could go well now that he's found some form.

Form: 124-561

Forecasts

Pondus (7/4), Desert Encounter (9/4), Waldstern (4/1), Wadilsafa (11/2), Pivoine (14/1)

This looks an easier contest than DESERT ENCOUNTER was third in last year having taken the event the year before adding to the sound record that his trainer, David Simcock, has in the race (also won it in 2015 and 2016). He comes here off the back of winning the same Group 3 Windsor contest that he took last year with Jamie Spencer knowing just how to ride him. Pondus will find these conditions a lot quicker than he encountered at Haydock last time but he’s shown he’s up to this grade and can handle quicker ground; he’ll be dangerous with a soft lead. Waldstern hasn’t quite lived up to expectations but looks a better proposition for third place than possible non-stayer Wadilsafa.