bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 2m 12.59s

(1)

Mostahdaf¹⁹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 114| C

1/2

Went from strength to strength in his first season, his only defeat coming in the St James's Palace, while he won here twice and signed off with victory in Newmarket Group 3 (beat the Cambridgeshire winner). Stiffer test will suit on return and he'll be making his mark at a higher level before long.

Form: 111011-

(2)

Foxes Tales¹⁸⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 111| D

3/1

Big improver last year, winning 3 times, including Royal Ascot handicap over this trip and Haydock Group 3. Too lit up by first-time blinkers in Champion Stakes final start and set for another good campaign.

Form: 512127-

(3)

Juan Elcano²¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan| OR: 112| BF| D

6/1

Won the listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot over this trip after a wind op last summer and ran well in York Group 2 next time. Disappointing final start but should pay his way again this year.

Form: 8/61273-

Forecasts

Mostahdaf (1/2), Foxes Tales (3/1), Juan Elcano (6/1)

A poor turnout for this Group 3 and it could become tactical. MOSTAHDAF is clearly the one with the potential to make up into a Group 1 performer given the great progress he showed in 2021 and he can take his record to 6 wins from 7 starts.