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

Off time: 15:12 | Winning time: 2m 36.40s

(3)

High Definition¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 119

7/1

Always been highly-touted and finally produced the sort of performance his juvenile form suggested he was capable of when second under an aggressive ride in the Tattersalls Gold Cup 12 days ago, worn down only close home. Back up in trip and no surprise if it all clicks today.

Form: 069-242

(5)

Hukum^t⁶⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 116| D

11/4

Very smart and likeable performer with a good strike rate, scoring again in Meydan Group 2 over this trip in March. Behind the luckless Pyledriver, although was keeping on at the finish, in the Dubai Sheema Classic next time and should have another profitable summer.

Form: 1121-17

(1)

Living Legend³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 112| D

18/1

Has been in the form of his life, getting the hat-trick up with another fine front-running display in the Newmarket Jockey Club Stakes over this trip 5 weeks ago, proving game. This is even tougher, while he'll face stiff competition for the lead, but he's dangerous to completely dismiss.

Form: 3-33111

(2)

Manobo⁶⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 113| D

9/4

Won his first 5 starts, including a very impressive victory in 14f Meydan Group 3 in February, before meeting with defeat in the Dubai Gold Cup (2m) 10 weeks ago after again pulling much too hard early on. Drop back in trip will suit and he remains a high-class prospect, surely a Group 1 winner.

Form: 1111-12

(6)

Palavecino^h¹²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: B J Meehan| OR: 104| D

125/1

Back to winning ways down in grade in Lingfield handicap 125 days ago but up against it on all known form back up in trip on first go in a Group 1.

Form: 30955-1

(4)

Pyledriver⁶⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: L Dettori| T: W Muir & C Grassick| OR: 120| CD

2/1

Took his place at the top table with victory in this last year, ridden more prominently and gamely getting back up near the finish. Second in the Hong Kong Vase in December and again ran well in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, arguably unlucky not to win. Got to be respected.

Form: 2112-04

Forecasts

Pyledriver (2/1), Manobo (9/4), Hukum (11/4), High Definition (7/1), Living Legend (18/1), Palavecino (125/1)

MANOBO remains a high-class prospect despite meeting with his first defeat when last seen on Dubai World Cup night in March. The drop back in trip looks ideal on his return and he can resume winning ways from last year's hero Pyledriver, who was perhaps unlucky not to scoop a huge prize under Frankie Dettori at that same fixture. The enigmatic High Definition is the other leading contender.