John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 3m 3.39s

(3)

Communique⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 115

2/1

Turned out quickly after running his best race this season when runner-up to Dame Malliot in the Princess Of Wales's Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket (1m4f; soft). 5lb clear of his nearest rival and small field could play to his strengths.

Form: 298-582

(2)

Eagles By Day²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 105

14/1

Set a stiff task on seasonal debut when contesting the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. Subsequently outclassed and finished last of nine (11 lengths behind Communique), and now makes stable debut for David O'Meara. Many questions to answer.

Form: 21638-9

(4)

Moonlight Spirit³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 110

15/8

Eased down when failing to get involved at Royal Ascot in the Gold Cup. That effort can be forgiven & this is a notable ease in distance/class. No questions to answer regarding the trip after looking a progressive type last season. Intriguing sort.

Form: 13412-8

(5)

Ranch Hand¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 99| D

6/1

Lowest rated in the field and while he hasn't been disgraced in a pair of competitive middle-distance handicaps this season, this is a step up in class. Others have more proven form at this level, and he can only be opposed.

Form: 5510-65

(1)

Universal Order²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 109

18/5

Posted career-best when coming with a late run to make a winning seasonal reappearance at Newmarket (1m4f; good to firm) in the 'Fred Archer Stakes'. Yet to convince over this trip, but on recent evidence he is worth another go at it.

Form: 101-161

Forecasts

Moonlight Spirit (15/8), Communique (2/1), Universal Order (18/5), Ranch Hand (6/1), Eagles By Day (14/1)

After a string of quiet efforts in defeat, it was encouraging to see Communique return to form in a Group Two last week. While he comes out well at these weights, MOONLIGHT SPIRIT looks a more tempting alternative. The selection has 5lb to find with the Mark Johnston runner. However, he is still quite lightly raced and is subsequently open to more improvement. His seasonal reappearance can be forgiven and he can continue the red hot form of the Appleby/Buick combination. Of the remainder, Universal Order has to be considered, at least for a place after he swooped late on to mug his two rivals on the line in a 'Listed' race at HQ when making his return to action.