14:25 Ascot

Saturday 7 October 2023

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:45

Jim Barry Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 14:26 | Winning time: 2m 32.66s

(6)

Israr²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Benoit D L Sayette| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 115| D

4/1

Progressed in handicaps last season, winning at Newbury and Doncaster, and has taken form to another level this term, resuming winning ways in Group 2 at Newmarket in July. Penalised and too free to make an impact behind Bay Bridge at Kempton and must concede weight all round again. This is easier.

Form: 10-2216

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(1)

Al Aasy²⁸

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

11/10

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. Stuck to his task when second in Paddy Power Stakes last time and he's the one to beat on these terms.

Form: 8/1-5112

(4)

Al Qareem²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 112| D

10/3

Group 2 Prix Chaudenay winner the highlight of an excellent 3-y-o campaign and right back to his very best on the back of 6 months off when landing listed race at Chester 3 weeks ago. Displayed a really willing attitude and that will continue to hold him in good stead.

Form: 715-001

(3)

Claymore¹³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: N Callan| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 111| C

20/1

Quickly made up into a smart colt in 2022, the highlight of which was his success in the Group 3 Hampton Court at Royal Ascot (1¼m, good to firm) last June. Reportedly bled on May's return to action and off again since so he has a lot to prove.

Form: 1/2014-6

(8)

Euchen Glen¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 9-6| J: P Mulrennan| T: J S Goldie| OR: 97| C| D

40/1

Useful handicapper and a credit to connections for all he's on a long losing run. Excellent effort over insufficient 10f at Ayr but this no easy task on these terms.

Form: 083402

(7)

Fortino^p1²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Rossa Ryan| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 109| D

50/1

Successful 8 times in Chile, 4 of them Grade 1s. Didn't look at home on the AW starting out for top yard last month and this will reveal more back on turf in cheekpieces.

Form: 2221-17

(2)

L'astronome^t²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Tom Marquand| T: H Palmer| OR: 105

25/1

Smart performer in 2022 when winner of 3 races, including Prix Hocquart at Longchamp, and good fifth to Onesto in Grand Prix de Paris on same course. Ended time for Francis-Henri Graffard in disappointing fashion but tongue tied and excellent start for Hugo Palmer behind Al Qareem in listed company.

Form: 56-3163

(5)

Postileo^p⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: J Mitchell| T: R Varian| OR: 105| D

9/1

Lightly raced for a 6-y-o and took a big step forward on previous form fitted with cheekpieces when a commanding winner of a Hamilton handicap in October. Well worth a shot at this level.

Form: 71/1601

Forecasts

Al Aasy (11/10), Al Qareem (10/3), Israr (4/1), Postileo (9/1), Claymore (20/1), L'astronome (25/1), Euchen Glen (40/1), Fortino (50/1)

AL AASY wasn't as well placed as the winner when second in the Paddy Power Stakes at Leopardstown so that has to go down as another sound effort. He's established as a notch above most of these and is expected to quickly regain the winning thread in receipt of 2 lb from Israr. Of the others, Postileo deserves a crack at a race like this such was the impression he created at Hamilton.