King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 17:37 | Winning time: 2m 30.44s

(3)

Changingoftheguard¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| D

11/10

Drew a blank in 3 starts as a juvenile but much improved this season, easily landing the odds at Dundalk on return before a wide-margin winner of 4-runner Chester Vase. Faded into fifth having been used to force the pace in the Derby last time and he could prove tough to peg back.

Form: 452-115

(4)

Dark Moon Rising³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan| OR: 102

14/1

Useful colt who made a winning return in class 2 event at Chelmsford. Similar form when 7¾ lengths fourth to Desert Crown in Dante Stakes at York just over 5 weeks ago but more needed here upped further in trip.

Form: 123-144

(1)

Grand Alliance^v1¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: C Fellowes| OR: 98

10/1

Opened his account at Chelmsford in February before following up in a handicap at Doncaster despite hanging across the track. Progressed further when runner-up in Blue Riband Trial at Epsom but unable to make any impact at the top table in Derby last time. Visor applied.

Form: 4-31120

(6)

Lysander²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 100

15/2

Unlucky debut third and he looked potentially smart when easily making all in 10f novice at Newcastle on his return. Similar form when a close third in listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood last month and in top hands, he remains open to improvement.

Form: 3-13

(5)

Ottoman Fleet³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby

9/4

Just failed to reel in a stablemate at Newbury on debut but confirmed that promise when winning listed event at Newmarket next time, having to overcome a potentially unsettling stumble out of the stalls. Will go on improving and demands the utmost respect up in trip.

Form: 21

(2)

Savvy Victory³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: S Woods| OR: 95

20/1

Came good with Pontefract maiden win on reappearance and took his form up a notch when 1¾ lengths third of 6 to Ottoman Fleet in listed event at Newmarket last month, pulling clear of the remainder. Likely to find a few too strong back up in trip here, though.

Form: 232-133

Forecasts

Changingoftheguard (11/10), Ottoman Fleet (9/4), Lysander (15/2), Grand Alliance (10/1), Dark Moon Rising (14/1), Savvy Victory (20/1)

CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD fared about as well as could have been expected when fifth in the Derby and with both his wins having come in small-field events, Aidan O'Brien's charge could prove tough to peg back if getting an easy time of things in front. Ottoman Fleet confirmed the promise of his debut effort when scoring in a listed contest at Newmarket last month so he's put forward as the main threat, ahead of Lysander.