Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards Challenge Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 1m 24.91s

(5)

Mustashry⁹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: Jim Crowley| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 121| C| D

2/1

Stylish winner of the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes earlier in the season but failed to go on since, finishing down the field in both the Queen Anne Stakes and Eclipse (1m2f). Won't want the ground too soft but claims back both down in class and trip.

Form: 10-3175

(3)

Shine So Bright²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 115| BF| CD

6/4

Ready winner of the European Free Handicap over C&D in April before sixth in the 2000 Guineas. Struck at Group 2 level at York (7f) in August before below par fourth in Park Stakes (7f) last time. Leading contender if bouncing back.

Form: 33-1614

(1)

Limato⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: H Candy| OR: 114| BF| CD

4/1

Two-time Group 1 winner and dual winner of this race, including last year. Notched 7f Group 3 on the July Course in June but well-held in July Cup and Goodwood Group 3 (7f) last time. Thrives at this track but ground could be a concern.

Form: 19-4106

(2)

Oh This Is Us⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Hannon| OR: 108| C| D

12/1

Rarely runs a bad race and won 7f Chester handicap for second year in a row when last seen. Has run well in this company before and could take advantage in a depleted race.

Form: 362591

(4)

Solar Gold²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: James Doyle| T: W J Haggas| OR: 98| BF

11/1

Had been reliable but starting to put some disappointing performances in, including when tenth in 7f Doncaster Group Three in September. Up against it on current form.

Form: 232040

Forecasts

Shine So Bright (6/4), Mustashry (2/1), Limato (4/1), Solar Gold (11/1), Oh This Is Us (12/1)

A disappointingly small field go to post for this classy group contest in which SHINE SO BRIGHT can add another Group 2 to his CV. The manner of his win at York and the rivals behind him was eye-catching and was arguably not ridden to his strengths last time out. The progressive sort looks the one to beat. Limato has to be respected, especially with his wins in this contest but it is well-known he needs faster ground and the same can be said for Mustashry, who may find this trip too sharp. Claims can be made for Oh This Is Us, who is usually in good heart at this time of the year.