15:35 Newmarket

Friday 23 September 2022

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes (Group 2) (Str)

Off time: 15:37 | Winning time: 1m 38.43s

(3)

El Drama³⁹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 109

8/1

Smart performer at 3 but not seen since finishing a below-form sixth in a York Group 3 at the 2021 Ebor meeting. Yard's good form provides hope on belated return but betting perhaps the best guide to expectations.

Form: 310426-

(2)

Mutasaabeq^b1²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Jim Crowley| T: C Hills| OR: 111| BF| C

5/2

Smart colt who resumed with Thirsk conditions event victory and went close in Group 2s at Sandown and Ascot. Possibly didn't handle the track in Celebration Mile at Goodwood last time and expected to bounce back in first-time headgear.

Form: 8-12324

(1)

Tempus²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Watson| OR: 117| D

5/4

Built on his excellent third in the Royal Hunt Cup in no uncertain terms, winning handicap at Ascot and Group 3s at Salisbury and Deauville, defying a penalty at latter track last month. This the next logical step and big player.

Form: 823111

(5)

Potapova³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 110| D

7/1

Showed much-improved form when winning Group 3 at Sandown last month though was seen to maximum effect, sweeping down the outside from off the pace. More probably needed taking on the males now.

Form: 0-22771

(7)

The Wizard Of Eye¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: David Egan| T: J S Moore| OR: 107

40/1

Highly tried since landing a Newbury novice (6f) last summer, but has posted some solid efforts, notably when runner-up in the Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood penultimate start. Likely to be outclassed here, though.

Form: 750525

(6)

Oscula³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: W Buick| T: G Boughey| OR: 107| D

10/1

Won 15-runner Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood (7f) in July. Defied a penalty in Group 3 at Deauville following month before creditable third in similar event there following month. Likeable sort who's holding her form remarkably well, but another career best required.

Form: 321413

Non-Runners

(4)

Pogo³⁴

Weight: 9-6| Age: 6

T: C Hills J: Tom Marquand

Forecasts

Tempus (5/4), Mutasaabeq (5/2), Pogo (5/1), Potapova (7/1), El Drama (8/1), Oscula (10/1), The Wizard Of Eye (40/1)

The vote goes to the thriving TEMPUS, who took his form to another level when defying a penalty in a Group 3 at Deauville last month. Mutasaabeq has been knocking on the door at this sort of level this year and rates the main threat, though Pogo could be difficult to peg back if allowed an easy lead.