Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 2m 32.63s

(1)

Aikhal⁵³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 111

10/3

Well beaten in St James's Palace on reappearance but got his career firmly back on track when stepped up to 1¼m at the Curragh just 11 days later, pulling 4¼ lengths clear in a Group 3. Up in trip again for top Irish stable which last won this in 2016.

Form: 2144-01

(2)

Deauville Legend²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J Ferguson| OR: 111

5/2

Improving gelding who pushed Secret State close at Royal Ascot (albeit in receipt of weight) before shading a close finish in Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket (Walk of Stars close up in third). Progressed again when second under a penalty in Gordon at Glorious Goodwood. Looks sure to go well.

Form: 42-1212

(3)

El Bodegon³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Hollie Doyle| T: J Ferguson| OR: 113

10/1

Group 1 winner in France at 2 and has added to his good record on the other side of the Channel with placed efforts in the French Derby (5 lengths second to Vadeni) and Grand Prix de Paris this summer. Daniel Muscutt, who has ridden him on all his previous starts in Britain, on Deauville Legend.

Form: 311-723

(5)

Grand Alliance^p1²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: C Fellowes| OR: 106

25/1

Not entirely straightforward but he isn't short of ability, going very close in King Edward at Royal Ascot (1½m) despite hanging badly left in the closing stages. Not in the same form when well behind Deauville Legend in Gordon at Goodwood since. Visor off, first-time cheekpieces on.

Form: 112028

(6)

Secret State²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 107| D

3/1

Unbeaten in 4 starts since debut, producing really smart handicap performances when defying big weights in ultra-competitive events at Royal Ascot (gave Deauville Legend 4 lb and beat him a head) and Glorious Goodwood the last twice. Leading claims for yard seeking third win in this since 2018.

Form: 21111

(4)

Walk Of Stars⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: C Appleby| OR: 107

9/2

Talented but quirkly individual. Had a gelding operation before latest close third to Deauville Legend in Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket but he still looked awkward under pressure (hung left). Stable second string no stranger to success in this but others still preferred for win purposes.

Form: 31-1203

Forecasts

Deauville Legend (5/2), Secret State (3/1), Aikhal (10/3), Walk Of Stars (9/2), El Bodegon (10/1), Grand Alliance (25/1)

SECRET STATE can emulate the yard's recent Gordon Stakes winner New London and take the step up from top handicap company to Group level in his stride. Deauville Legend has undoubtedly improved since being edged out by the selection at Royal Ascot but may still find Charlie Appleby's charge a bit too strong again. Aikhal is next best.