16:30 Leopardstown

Saturday 9 September 2023

All13:4514:1514:4515:2015:5516:3017:0517:40

Paddy Power Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 2m 31.05s

(4)

Al Aasy²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: Jim Crowley| T: W J Haggas| OR: 113| D

9/4

Very talented and been a revelation returned to 10f this term, typically going about things in an easy manner but no questioning his attitude as he won 7-runner Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock 28 days ago by neck from El Drama. Strong claims if in the same mood back up in trip.

Form: 48/1-511

(5)

Layfayette²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: Colin Keane| T: N Meade| OR: 109| D

25/1

Smart gelding. Nine wins from 32 Flat runs. Didn't need to improve to win 6-runner Royal Whip Stakes (7/2) at the Curragh (10f, good to soft) 20 days ago by ¾ length from Unless. More needed under a penalty on these terms.

Form: 341441

(6)

Mashhoor⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: Ben Coen| T: J P Murtagh| OR: 110| D

22/1

Smart gelding. 3 wins from 5 runs this year. Latest win at the Curragh in July. 7/1, 4 lengths last of 5 to Alflaila in York Stakes at York (10.2f, good) 42 days ago. This isn't much easier.

Form: 0-01115

(1)

White Birch^t⁶⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Shane Foley| T: J J Murphy| OR: 114| C

8/1

Smart colt. Latest win here in April. 6/1, 18½ lengths eighth of 9 to Auguste Rodin in Irish Derby at the Curragh (12f, good to firm) 69 days ago, unsuited by way race developed. Previous efforts were better (placed in the Dante and Derby). Wouldn't dismiss back in trip.

Form: 51-1238

(2)

Adelaide River⁵⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116

11/8

Winning debut on AW last summer and placed 6 times at Group level since, including in the Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp the last twice. just caught in the closing stages by a good prospect 57 days ago. Obvious chance.

Form: 23-2822

(3)

Valiant King³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: O Murphy| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 109

4/1

Smart colt. Very good 1½ lengths second of 8 to Vauban in Ballyroan Stakes at Naas (11.9f, soft, 10/3) 33 days ago, clear of rest. Stable in good form. One to consider.

Form: 34-2122

(7)

Young Ireland¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Luke McAteer| T: J S Bolger| OR: 101

66/1

Useful colt. 16/1, good 3¾ lengths second of 7 to Harbour Wind in listed race at this course (14f, good) 16 days ago, suited by emphasis on speed. Difficult ask on these terms.

Form: 442862

Forecasts

Adelaide River (11/8), Al Aasy (9/4), Valiant King (4/1), White Birch (8/1), Mashhoor (22/1), Layfayette (25/1), Young Ireland (66/1)

Three-year-olds have traditionally dominated this and ADELAIDE RIVER, second in the Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp the last twice, can get an overdue change of luck and come out on top for Aidan O'Brien. The quirky Al Aasy has been in good order over ten furlongs and has every chance if continuing in the same form back up in trip. White Birch, placed in the Dante and the Derby, is also a player.