15:10 Epsom Downs

Friday 4 June 2021

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:3017:1017:40

Coral Coronation Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

Off time: 15:11 | Winning time: 2m 42.23s

(1)

Al Aasy²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Jim Crowley| T: W J Haggas| OR: 119| D

7/4

Highly-progressive colt who won 2 Group 3s at Newbury in impressive fashion this term, barely coming off bridle for most recent win. Already capable of borderline top-class form and the one to beat.

Form: 5116-11

(2)

Highland Chief^p,t1²³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: David Probert| T: P & O Cole| OR: 109

40/1

Smart form when defying top weight in a handicap at Royal Ascot on return last season and runner-up in Group 2s at Goodwood (behind Mogul) and York (behind Pyledriver). Tongue strap applied.

Form: 102253-

(7)

Japan²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 120| D

10/3

Dual Group 1 winner at 3 yrs but just the one creditable effort last season (third in Eclipse). However, ran very well when third in Derby here and had a nice confidence booster at Chester on return.

Form: 43359-1

(5)

Mogul³³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Seamie Heffernan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 119| D

13/2

High-class colt who came good in second half of his 3-y-o campaign, winning Group 1s at Longchamp (Grand Prix de Paris) and Sha Tin (Hong Kong Vase). Shaped as if needing run both starts this term.

Form: 3151-73

(3)

Pyledriver³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: M Dwyer| T: W Muir & C Grassick| OR: 117| D

8/1

Achieved a very smart level of form as a 3-y-o with wins in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and Great Voltigeur at York. Made a satisfactory return at Newmarket and not to be underestimated.

Form: 10137-2

(6)

Albaflora²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: L Dettori| T: R M Beckett| OR: 113| D

4/1

Reached a smart level last season and took form up another notch when running away with listed race at Ascot on return, relishing emphasis on stamina in testing conditions. More needed here, though.

Form: 12622-1

Non-Runners

(4)

Alpinista³⁵

Weight: 8-11| Age: 4

T: Sir Mark Prescott J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Al Aasy (7/4), Japan (10/3), Albaflora (4/1), Mogul (13/2), Pyledriver (8/1), Alpinista (33/1), Highland Chief (40/1)

AL AASY has proved a totally different proposition in 2 starts this season, including when showing high-class form to beat some smart rivals in effortless fashion at Newbury. This represents his toughest task yet, but he is clearly going the right way and should take plenty of beating. Brothers/stablemates Japan and Mogul are fancied to emerge as the chief threats.