16:10 Newmarket

Thursday 9 July 2020

All12:1012:4513:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:10

Princess Of Wales's Tattersalls Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 16:13 | Winning time: 2m 34.40s

(4)

Alounak²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 114

5/2

Smart German performer (winner up to Group 3 level), failed impress when set stiff task on GB/stable debut in Group 1 Coronation Cup. Bounced back to his best last time (Group 2, Hardwicke Stakes, 1m4f), went with zest, similar expected here.

Form: 5125-62

(7)

Communique²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 112| CD

11/2

C&D winner having taken this last year adding to his Group 2 win earlier in 2019 on the Rowley Mile. Failed to fire this year (looked laboured on return), showed more zip last time but still finished weakly (Hardwicke Stakes), jury out on his chance.

Form: 1298-58

(1)

Desert Encounter^h³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-6| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: D M Simcock| OR: 114| D

20/1

In fine form from August 2019, landing a Group 3 hat-trick at up to 1m4f, and winning Woodbine Group 1 for second successive year to complete year. Meydan/GB starts this year underwhelming, well beaten in Coronation Cup last time, looks vulnerable.

Form: 111-567

(8)

Forest Ranger²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 104

50/1

Despite winning a Chester Group 2 (10.3f, soft) last year he's generally struggled at this level with stamina a big question mark over this trip. Found wanting at Royal Ascot in the Listed Wolferton Stakes (1m2f, soft) last time, faces a stiff test.

Form: 16664-0

(6)

Old Persian^p1¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 114| D

9/2

9-18, he's a very smart performer; took three Group 1 and 2 events last year in Meydan and Canada over 1m4f. Usually good fresh he looked to need his first outing this year at St Cloud (11.9f, good), considerately handled, very much in the picture.

Form: 17310-5

(2)

Dame Malliot³⁰¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Hollie Doyle| T: E F Vaughan| OR: 110| CD

8/1

Useful form throughout 2yo/3yo career in Listed/Group 2 company (won at both levels), Group 2 win at Deauville (12.4f, soft) taking her to three wins from four starts. Below-par when last seen in Group 2 Park Hill Stakes (14.5f), respected on return.

Form: 1/2116-

(5)

Enbihaar²⁷⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 113| D

9/4

Progressive 3yo winning 4-6 with three wins at Group 2 level, the most recent Doncaster Park Hill Stakes (14.5f, good/firm). Ran with credit after her Group 2 hat-trick when placed in French Group 1 (13.9f) on Arc Day, has run well fresh before.

Form: 121113-

Non-Runners

(3)

Antonia De Vega²⁴

Weight: 9-3| Age: 4

T: R M Beckett J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Enbihaar (9/4), Alounak (5/2), Old Persian (9/2), Communique (11/2), Dame Malliot (8/1), Antonia De Vega (8/1), Desert Encounter (20/1), Forest Ranger (50/1)

This race has proved to be a graveyard for favourites (only two have won since 2000) so that may pose a problem for current forecast market leader Enbihaar who it should be said was a progressive sort last year. 4yo’s have got a good record in this (won four of last five from 47% or runners), they are represented by the fillies Antonia De Vega (will appreciate a stamina test) and Dame Malliot (worth a second glance). Communique won this last year but doesn’t look the same horse this time two fellow 5yo’s are preferred. Alounak ran a fine race last time and looks a danger to OLD PERSIAN. He wear’s first-time cheekpiece, is capable at this level and his win-to-run ratio is impressive.