Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (Formerly The Arc Trial) (Group 3)

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 2m 23.12s

(5)

Al Aasy⁷²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Jim Crowley| T: W J Haggas| OR: 120| BF| C

4/6

Much improved in 2021, landing pair of 1½m course Group 3s in the spring. Runner-up in the Coronation Cup and Princess of Wales's at Newmarket since. Hard to beat back from break.

Form: 16-1122

(2)

Solid Stone^p²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: W Buick| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 111

12/1

Smart gelding who landed a second Windsor listed win of the season when edging out 3 rivals last month. More on his plate back at pattern level but he can't be knocked for consistency.

Form: 513341

(4)

Ilaraab^p1²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 110| BF| C

9/1

Most progressive 5-time winner in 2020 who readily landed a York handicap on his return. Couple of backward steps since but perhaps first-time cheekpieces will spark a revival from this classy sort.

Form: 111-180

(3)

Foxes Tales⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 111| C

9/4

Has improved with each run, taking the step up to pattern company in his stride when landing Group 3 Rose of Lancaster at Haydock last month. Should continue to run well.

Form: 2-15121

(1)

Ad Infinitum^h⁹³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: Callum Shepherd| T: D M Simcock| OR: 95

50/1

Won a soft-ground Goodwood listed on just her second start but never involved in Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot since. Improvement will be needed but her stable's good record in this race provides hope.

Form: 4-10

Forecasts

Al Aasy (4/6), Foxes Tales (9/4), Ilaraab (9/1), Solid Stone (12/1), Ad Infinitum (50/1)

It's very hard to see past AL AASY back at the scene of his 2 Group 3 successes in the spring. He was beaten at short odds on his latest start but even a repeat of the form he showed on that occasion could well be good enough here. Progressive 3-y-o Foxes Tales, a winner at this level at Haydock last time, can follow him home.