tote March Stakes (Group 3) (In Memory Of John Dunlop)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 1.62s

(2)

Classic Lord³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 90| C| D

9/2

Dual 1m winner as a 2-y-o who has raised his game further in staying handicaps, successful in 4-runner event at Sandown last month. Needs to step up further at this level, though.

Form: 0-41221

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(3)

Dancing King⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 100

10/3

Thriving all season, completing 4-timer in handicap at Doncaster in June and performing with credit since, narrowly denied in listed company at Chester last weekend. Definite player.

Form: 111832

(4)

Juan De Montalban⁹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: J Mitchell| T: D O'Meara| OR: 100| C

10/1

Dual winner for Andrew Balding before finishing second in the Irish Derby for R. Biondi. Has changed yards again, but he'll need to improve if he's to get back to winning ways.

Form: 431-12

(5)

Nagano³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 101| C

8/11

Highly progressive colt who took his tally to 3 when landing a good handicap here a month ago. Sets the standard and has more to come, so he's an obvious selection.

Form: 31161

(1)

White Pepper^p,t¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: L Dettori| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 84

33/1

Belatedly opened her account at Tramore 14 days ago but she's merely here to pick up some prize money.

Form: 534201

Forecasts

Nagano (8/11), Dancing King (10/3), Classic Lord (9/2), Juan De Montalban (10/1), White Pepper (33/1)

NAGANO was an impressive winner of a handicap at the festival here a month ago and promises to be well suited by the extra distance on offer here, so he should make a winning transition to pattern company before going on to bigger things. Dancing King is regarded as the main danger after his narrow reverse in listed company last week, and Juan de Montalban isn't without a chance.