John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 2m 34.89s

(3)

Al Aasy²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Jim Crowley| T: W J Haggas| OR: 108| D

7/2

3lb penalty to shoulder after scoring in this grade in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket (1m5f; good to soft) last time. Travelled with ease throughout that contest. This is tougher, but he is on a sharp upward curve at present.

Form: 3-511

(4)

English King²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: L Dettori| T: E Walker| OR: 112| D

5/4

Disappointed but he was by no means disgraced when fifth in the Epsom Derby (1m4f; good). Faces a couple of rivals from that race again. Looked right out of the top-drawer when coasting clear of his opposition in the Lingfield Derby Trial.

Form: 71-15

(2)

Highland Chief^p²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: David Probert| T: P & O Cole| OR: 107

22/1

Could never get involved when he had his sights raised in the Epsom Derby (1m4f; good). Tough task again against three rivals who finished in front of him that day. Posted smart performance to win Royal Ascot handicap off top-weight beforehand.

Form: 136-10

(6)

Khalifa Sat²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Tom Marquand| T: A M Balding| OR: 111| C

9/1

Done nothing wrong so far this season. Backed up impressive win in Listed company over 1m3f at this track when second in the Epsom Derby (1m4f; good) at 50-1. Likeable attitude and big shout as he bids to get back to winning ways.

Form: 61-12

(5)

Mogul²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 109

9/2

Has disappointed since winning at Leopardstown (1m; good) as a two-year-old. Form ties in closely with Khalifa Sat and English King from their meeting in the Derby though, and they are leading players in this contest.

Form: 2114-46

(1)

Subjectivist¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 103

17/2

Trainer nominated as a genuine St Leger candidate ahead of his recent win in the Listed 'Glasgow Stakes' at Hamilton (1m3f; good). Not finished out of the first three in any of his three efforts this season. Steps back into group company.

Form: 247-321

Forecasts

English King (5/4), Al Aasy (7/2), Mogul (9/2), Subjectivist (17/2), Khalifa Sat (9/1), Highland Chief (22/1)

This is a very strong-looking contest for a Group Three, and at a big price Subjectivist cannot be ruled out with confidence after making no mistake from the front last time out. Al Aasy should have further progress left in him after dealing with the step up to this grade with the minimum of fuss recently, though a 3lb penalty makes life difficult. However, this contest is likely to be fought out between Khalifa Sat & ENGLISH KING with narrow preference for the latter. If he is back to the form of his Lingfield win, he will be extremely difficult to beat. The former is afforded major respect given the attitude he showed when winning at this track two starts ago.