Davies Insurance Solutions Gala Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 16:16 | Winning time: 2m 8.01s

(1)

Notre Belle Bete^p¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: W Buick| T: A M Balding| OR: 105| D

9/2

Revived in cheekpieces at the end of last year, winning the Easter Classic AW Middle Distance Championships Stakes at Newcastle on Good Friday and keeping on for third behind King of Conquest and Saga at Newmarket last time. Never really a factor in the Wolferton last time.

Form: 2-23130

(5)

Poker Face¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: James Doyle| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 108| D

6/4

Most progressive last autumn, winning all 3 starts at up to this trip. Asked to make the running in a race with no obvious pace in Group 2 company at Chester (faded only late on) but needs to cast aside a heavy defeat in the Wolferton.

Form: 111-240

(2)

Saga^b¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: R L Moore| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 106

13/8

Just failed to get up in last year's Britannia fitted with first-time blinkers/tongue tie and having been gelded it was a similar story on his return at Newmarket in first-time cheekpieces (conceded first run and just failed). Fair fifth in the Wolferton and major player on these terms.

Form: 2804-25

(3)

Savvy Victory¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Tom Marquand| T: S Woods| OR: 105| D

17/2

Dual winner last season over this trip and ran a mighty race when length second in handicap at Chester in May (Certain Lad third). Hampered and eased off in the Wolferton so forgiven that effort.

Form: 53-5200

Non-Runners

(4)

Certain Lad¹⁷

Weight: 9-9| Age: 7

T: J Channon J: Hollie Doyle

Forecasts

Poker Face (6/4), Saga (13/8), Notre Belle Bete (9/2), Certain Lad (5/1), Savvy Victory (17/2)

All 5 of these contested the Wolferton at Royal Ascot and only SAGA gave his running, albeit Certain Lad and Savvy Victory were hampered. The Gosden 4-y-o isn't totally straightforward but he's just about the pick on these terms. With no obvious pace on, Poker Face may resume forward tactics and he's feared most.