15:00 Ascot

Saturday 7 October 2023

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

John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:02 | Winning time: 1m 13.83s

(1)

Commanche Falls^p²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods| OR: 113| D

11/2

Dual Stewards' Cup winner who has made his mark outside of handicaps this season, winning Curragh listed and Newbury Group 3 (both 6f) in July. Quickly resumed winning ways when defying penalty in listed race at York and needs considering.

Form: 331141

(10)

Garrus²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: Jim Crowley| T: C Hills| OR: 110| D

9/1

Smart gelding who took the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) on second start this year. Runner-up in a couple of French Group 3s before not disgraced in Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Not taken lightly despite penalty.

Form: 814228

(3)

Jumby²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 110| C| D

16/1

Better than ever when winning Group 3 John of Gaunt at Haydock in June and backed that up when second in Criterion at Newmarket in July. Well below par next 2 starts, however, so opposable under a penalty.

Form: 501295

(8)

Annaf²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Rossa Ryan| T: M Appleby| OR: 109| D

5/2

Smart performer on the AW, completing 6f hat-trick in listed company at Lingfield in February. Some good efforts in defeat since before producing a career-best win when defying top weight in Portland at Doncaster. Form pick.

Form: 347671

(6)

Juan Les Pins²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 106| D

12/1

Hasn't looked back since joining this yard and took form to another level when runner-up in listed race at York latest. Not taken lightly if the rain stays away.

Form: 013032

(5)

Vadream^p⁸⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Harry Davies| T: C Fellowes| OR: 107| CD

28/1

Drew a blank in 2022 but back to her best on soft ground this spring, winning a 6f Doncaster listed and Group 3 Palace House at the Rowley Mile (first run at 5f). Well held since but did win this 2 years ago when the ground was soft.

Form: 161007

(9)

Dark Trooper²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: P Mulrennan| T: E Walker| OR: 101| CD

4/1

Thriving son of Dark Angel who arrives on a 5-timer after 4 handicap wins. This level demands more but he's smart now and is 2 from 2 over this C&D (last 2 starts).

Form: 831111

(7)

Rumstar²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: T E Whelan| T: J G Portman| OR: 107| D

10/1

Progressive 2-y-o last term, culminating in a Group 3 success over 5f at Newmarket. Best effort so far this season when fifth of 13 to Shaquille in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but was well held in Sprint Cup (50/1) at Haydock (6f, good to firm) 28 days ago.

Form: 1-656U0

(2)

Happy Romance⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: P J Dobbs| T: R Hannon| OR: 102| D

12/1

Smart mare. Took listed event at Bath in April and right back on track when fourth of 22 in Portland Handicap at Doncaster (5.6f, good to soft). Ran as well as could have been expected in the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp last week and no forlorn hope at this level.

Form: 616047

(4)

Pink Crystal¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 100| D

12/1

Better than ever when winning 12-runner listed race at Ayr (5.5f, good to soft) 15 days ago but has work to do back at this level.

Form: 523-341

Forecasts

Annaf (5/2), Dark Trooper (4/1), Commanche Falls (11/2), Garrus (9/1), Rumstar (10/1), Pink Crystal (12/1), Juan Les Pins (12/1), Happy Romance (12/1), Jumby (16/1), Vadream (28/1)

ANNAF looks the one to beat having defied top weight in the Portland at Doncaster 3 weeks ago and his third in the King's Stand Stakes at the Royal Meeting confirms he handles this track. Thriving 3-y-o Dark Trooper is feared most as he bids for a 5-timer, ahead of another in-form sort Commanche Falls.