bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 2m 5.37s

(2)

Anmaat²¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 118| D

9/4

Enjoyed a perfect campaign last year, winning the ultra-competitive John Smith's Cup handicap at York, Haydock Group 3 and the Group 2 Prix Dollar at Longchamp. Good record fresh but he'll do well to concede 5 lb to an on-song Adayar.

Form: 112/111-

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(6)

Adayar²⁰⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 121| D

5/6

Derby and King George winner in 2021 who was seen just twice in the autumn, taking a small-field Doncaster event and proving he retains all his ability when second to Bay Bridge in the Champion at Ascot. Sets a lofty standard if ready to go and could be set for another big year.

Form: 1145/12-

(3)

Highland Avenue⁴²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: C Appleby| OR: 104| C

11/1

Progressive 3-y-o who won his first 3 starts in 2021. Hasn't really fired since and has a 14-month absence to overcome.

Form: 2648/89-

(4)

Migration³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: Benoit D L Sayette| T: D Menuisier| OR: 113| C| D

8/1

Recorded a very smart weight carrying performance when seeing off 21 rivals in the Lincoln at Doncaster (1m) on his reappearance. That effort suggests he can be a major player at Group level and he might have a fitness edge on some of these.

Form: 17/284-1

(1)

Regal Reality²¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 109| D

22/1

Hasn't enjoyed as much success as one with his talents perhaps should have done and his Winter Hill victory at Windsor last summer was very much a standout effort in 2022. Work to do on return.

Form: 2/42815-

Non-Runners

(5)

Francesco Clemente²⁸⁸

Weight: 9-2| Age: 4

T: J & T Gosden J: L Dettori

Forecasts

Adayar (5/6), Anmaat (9/4), Francesco Clemente (6/1), Migration (8/1), Highland Avenue (11/1), Regal Reality (22/1)

ADAYAR looks set for a big year and can make a successful return. Anmaat must concede 5 lb to Charlie Appleby's high-class horse but did nothing but improve last term and has won first time up for the last 2 seasons. The unbeaten Francesco Clemente looks exciting and could make his presence felt.