17:45 Naas

Saturday 4 July 2020

All14:0014:3015:0515:3516:0516:4017:1517:45

Coolmore Sioux Nation Lacken Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 17:46 | Winning time: 1m 13.10s

(3)

Royal Lytham^b¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 108| D

6/1

Group 2 July Stakes winner (6f) last year and generally acquitted himself well before disappointing ninth in the Commonwealth Cup (6f) at Royal Ascot. Has to give weight away to quality rivals but is the trainer's sole representative. Place claims.

Form: 1713-89

(8)

Art Power¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Colin Keane| T: T D Easterby| OR: 110| D

4/6

Rapid and classy improver and unbeaten in two starts this term. Made a mockery of his handicap mark at Royal Ascot (5f) and looks a top prospect in waiting. The one to beat if handling the step up to 6f.

Form: 31-11

(6)

Koolasice¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Gary Halpin| T: J P Murtagh| OR: 95| D

12/1

Generally progressed in each run to date and rewarded for that with easy 7L victory in 6f Fairyhouse maiden in mid-June. Into the deep end for this however and this will require another career-best.

Form: 334-1

(2)

Millisle¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 114| D

9/4

Top juvenile filly last year, culminating with success in Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes (6f). Bombed out in 1000 Guineas but shaped better when fifth in Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last time. This is much easier.

Form: 2121-75

(7)

Real Force³⁷¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Chris Hayes| T: G O'Leary| OR: 99| C

66/1

Yet to go on since maiden victory over 5f here last April but not entirely disgraced since. Finished last term when fourth in Group 2 Railway Stakes behind Siskin but this looks a tough ask on seasonal return. Others preferred.

Form: 1444-

(5)

Summer Sands²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: S M Crosse| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 108| BF| D

12/1

Progressive juvenile last term. Third in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes before winning Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy last term. Not as good on stable debut over 5f here last time however and needs a quick bounce back from that. Claims on best form.

Form: 16531-8

(1)

Zarzyni²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Ronan Whelan| T: M Halford| OR: 100

40/1

Yet to go on from maiden victory last June and arguably took a backwards step when 8L ninth in 5f Listed contest at this venue at the beginning of June. Looks to be out of his depth in this contest.

Form: 1343-9

(4)

Lil Grey¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Robbie Colgan| T: S Lavery| OR: 94| D

66/1

Winner of a strong-looking maiden at the Curragh last term but not gone on since, including when 6L sixth in 5f Naas Listed contest last month. Needs plenty more to be competitive at this level.

Form: 62397-6

Forecasts

Art Power (4/6), Millisle (9/4), Royal Lytham (6/1), Summer Sands (12/1), Koolasice (12/1), Zarzyni (40/1), Real Force (66/1), Lil Grey (66/1)

Another top renewal of this contest which was won by crack sprinter Caravaggio in 2017. Another sort could be unearthed this time around in ART POWER, who duly enhanced his already lofty reputation with a scintillating victory at Royal Ascot. It is likely this will be a stepping stone towards greater things later on in the season. Millisle has had her reputation dented this season so far but her encouraging run in the Commonwealth Cup was a step in the right direction, while Royal Lytham and Summer Sands look to be closely matched on their juvenile form but the latter still remains highly regarded by his connections and might bounce back sooner rather than later.