Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 2m 5.95s

(3)

Adayar⁴⁵

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

10/3

Derby and King George winner in 2021 who was seen just twice last year, going down narrowly to Bay Bridge in Champion Stakes at this C&D on second occasion. Made comfortable winning return in rearranged Gordon Richards Stakes and can make bold bid for another top-level success.

Form: 145/12-1

(5)

Bay Bridge²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 122| BF| CD

11/5

Unbeaten at 3 yrs and developed into a high-class performer last season, runner-up in this race before ending the campaign with victory in the Champion Stakes also over C&D. Stepped up on reappearance when second to Luxembourg in Tattersalls Gold Cup and any rain would help his chances.

Form: 1251-32

(4)

Classic Causeway¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: J R Leparoux| T: Kenneth McPeek| OR: 110| D

100/1

Won on second start for current trainer in the Belmont Derby last summer, getting the better of Nations Pride, but hasn't got his head in front again since. Only respectable fourth of 6 in Grade 3 Arlington Stakes at Churchill Downs last time and he looks to be up against it.

Form: 376-264

(1)

Luxembourg²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 123| BF| D

2/1

Left reappearance run behind when recording a third success at the top level (one in each season to date) in Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month, making the running and proving very willing to see off the challenge of Bay Bridge. Can add another Group 1 victory to his tally.

Form: 3117-51

(6)

Mostahdaf^p⁸⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 121| D

10/1

Won pair of Group 3s in 2022 but found testing conditions too much in the Arc on final start of the year. Back to best with an emphatic success in Group 3 Neom Turf Cup at King Abdulaziz in February, though not quite in the same form when fourth in Dubai Sheema Classic the following month.

Form: 2610-14

(2)

My Prospero³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 121| D

15/2

Won first 2 starts at 3 yrs before third in St James's Palace at this meeting. Benefited from step up to 10f thereafter, following Group 2 victory in France with a fine third in the Champion Stakes. Encouraging reappearance in the Lockinge and return to this trip will suit.

Form: 11313-4

Forecasts

Luxembourg (2/1), Bay Bridge (11/5), Adayar (10/3), My Prospero (15/2), Mostahdaf (10/1), Classic Causeway (100/1)

A high-class renewal, with preference for LUXEMBOURG to provide Aidan O'Brien with a fifth victory in the contest. The 4-y-o ran to a similar level as when winning the Irish Champion with a determined success in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month, so he is taken to get the better of the 2021 Derby/King George winner Adayar. My Prospero is also respected with more to offer back up in trip.