Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1)

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 2m 10.39s

(1)

Buckhurst²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Declan McDonogh| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 114| CD

8/1

Multiple Group 3 winner over C&D, and made it three wins at that level with strong victory in C&D Alleged Stakes last month. Up to this level for the first time so will need to improve again. Each-way claims.

Form: 2112-21

(4)

Leo De Fury⁴⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 114| CD

16/1

C&D winner on debut last season as well as narrow runner-up to Buckhurst in C&D Group 3 last term. Returned in style this season with 3L win in Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes over C&D last month. Tries this level for the first time.

Form: 18254-1

(3)

Sir Dragonet²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: E J McNamara| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 112| BF

18/1

Has been a source of frustration since impressive Chester Vase (1m4f) win last Spring and hasn't won since. Turned over by Buckhurst in C&D Group 3 last time and is beginning to run out of excuses now.

Form: 544-222

(6)

Magical²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 122| CD

2/9

Star filly who is now a five-time Group 1 winner. Made the perfect return when easy 4L winner of Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes over C&D last month. Sets form standard and very much the one to beat as the defending champion in this.

Form: 22151-1

(5)

Search For A Song^h²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: O J Orr| T: D K Weld| OR: 115| BF| C| D

50/1

Much improved towards the end of last season, culminating with Group Irish St Leger win at this venue (1m6f). Well beaten by Leo De Fury on seasonal bow in C&D Group 2 and slipped on the bend when pulled up at Cork (1m4f) last time. Up against it.

Form: 2411-6P

(2)

Armory⁴⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: P B Beggy| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| C

18/1

Group 2 winner as a juvenile last term at this track in the Futurity Stakes. Held form well in Group 1 company since, including eye-catching fourth in Irish 2,000 Guineas (1m) on seasonal return. This distance could bring out more in him.

Form: 11232-4

Forecasts

Magical (2/9), Buckhurst (8/1), Leo De Fury (16/1), Sir Dragonet (18/1), Armory (18/1), Search For A Song (50/1)

This Group 1 may not take place on it's usual date this year, but it has arguably a more stellar field than it usually does. The one who takes all the beating is the top-class MAGICAL, who has been kept in training this term and arguably looked even better when oozing her typical class in the Pretty Polly Stakes last time. She is expected to take this on her way to loftier targets. It's no gimme however, and the duo of Buckhurst and Leo De Fury are on an upward curve and thrive over this C&D. One to note is Armory, who shaped as if he was crying out for a step up in trip in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and takes advantage of being allowed in the race as a three-year-old for this year only.