13:50 Royal Ascot

Wednesday 17 June 2020

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:40

Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 2m 5.86s

(5)

Berlin Tango¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 106| D

4/1

Dual Listed-placed as a juvenile before finishing second in a valuable conditions race at Kempton (1m2f, Polytrack) in March. Posted a career-best to win a Group 3 over that C&D 14 days ago, having been well placed. On the upgrade but more needed.

Form: 5133-21

(2)

Kenzai Warrior¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Jason Watson| T: R A Teal| OR: 100

16/1

Beat subsequent Group 3 winner on debut at Salisbury (1m, good) before staying on well to win the Horris Hill (7f, heavy). Fly leapt and stumbled in the Guineas so that is best ignored and with stamina through his dam, he is a fascinating runner.

Form: 11-9

(4)

First Receiver¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: L Dettori| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 98

9/4

Royal runner who showed promise to be placed in both two-year-old runs but took a big step forward 15 days ago at Kempton (1m, Polytrack) to win easily by 7L from a poor draw. More difficult task now but the yard have won this race three times.

Form: 32-1

(3)

Juan Elcano¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: K A Ryan| OR: 110

7/2

Placed twice in Group 2 company after a winning cosily on debut last year. Kept on well to finish fifth in the 2,000 Guineas (1m, good to firm) 11 days ago but should relish this longer trip on pedigree and brings the best form to the table.

Form: 123-5

(8)

King Carney¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: C Fellowes| OR: 102

40/1

Improved on slow ground last year culminating with a Listed win at Pontefract (1m, soft). Ran poorly 12 days ago in the Lingfield Derby Trial on ground that was reportedly too fast. Further improvement is required and rain would enhance his claims.

Form: 5211-7

(1)

Mascat²⁶⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 85

22/1

Runner-up to a rival now rated 109 on debut at Sandown (7f, good to firm) before winning at readily at Newmarket (7f, good) next time. From an in-form yard and this longer trip should suit but will need to be seriously above average to win here.

Form: 21-

(7)

New World Tapestry¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: A Kirby| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 89

50/1

Has a fine pedigree (dam won Yorkshire Oaks) but only a maiden win to his name thus far. That came at Newmarket (7f, good) in September but has fallen short in three better races since and pacemaking duties likely to await here.

Form: 3418-38

(6)

Russian Emperor⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 105| BF

10/3

Built on his debut for a narrow victory at Naas (1m, soft/heavy) in March. Not suited by a tactical Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m2f) eight days ago but stayed on well and the promise of a stronger pace should bring about an improved effort now.

Form: 3-12

Forecasts

First Receiver (9/4), Russian Emperor (10/3), Juan Elcano (7/2), Berlin Tango (4/1), Kenzai Warrior (16/1), Mascat (22/1), King Carney (40/1), New World Tapestry (50/1)

New World Tapestry is likely to lead to ensure that his stablemate Russian Emperor isn't caught flat-footed and, with that, Ryan Moore's mount shouldn't be too far away. Juan Elcano looked in need of this longer trip from his first run last year and he did very well to finish fifth in the 2,000 Guineas, beaten 4L, and that looks strong form. First Receiver cannot be entirely dismissed given his connections but the verdict is tentatively given to KENZAI WARRIOR. His debut win has worked out well and testing ground bought his stamina into play when he won the Horris Hill. Ignore his run in the 2,000 Guineas and this longer trip should suit him well.