15:36 Leopardstown

Saturday 21 October 2023

All13:2013:5514:3015:0115:3616:1116:4617:21

Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 2m 7.50s

(6)

Cambridge⁴⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Ben Coen| T: A P O'Brien

13/2

Dubawi colt who confirmed debut promise in determined fashion when landing 12-runner Salisbury novice (1m) 44 days ago, game when tackled. This tougher but highly likely there's more to come representing powerful connections.

Form: 31

(5)

Gibbs Island²⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Billy Lee| T: A Oliver

33/1

Thrice-raced winner. Improved a little more when landing 19-runner maiden at the Curragh (1m, heavy) 27 days ago, digging deep. Even longer trip here shouldn't inconvenience him but further progress needed upped to group company.

Form: 641

(3)

Grosvenor Square²⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Seamie Heffernan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 103| D

10/11

Galileo colt who hit the line powerfully when making a winning debut in a Galway maiden (8.5f) last month and encouragingly built on that 11 days on when third in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes (1m) 4 weeks ago. Step up to 9f a plus and big player with prospect of more to come.

Form: 13

(8)

Naval Force²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Gavin Ryan| T: Donnacha O'Brien

6/1

75,000 gns yearling, Churchill gelding. Won 5-runner maiden at Killarney (8.1f, heavy, 13/2) on debut 21 days ago, getting the better of one with experience final 1f. Should do better again.

Form: 1

(1)

Spanish Flame³²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Colin Keane| T: G M Lyons| OR: 93

12/1

Lightly-raced winner. 2 wins from 5 runs this year. Latest win at Tipperary in July. Fourth of 6 in minor event (13/2) at Listowel (8f, soft) 32 days ago. Yard in good form.

Form: 41144

(7)

Zaphod²⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Ronan Whelan| T: John O'Donoghue| D

7/2

€56,000 foal, Zarak gelding. Won 9-runner maiden (15/2) at Tipperary (9f, heavy) on debut 20 days ago, flashing tail but soon clear. Sure to improve.

Form: 1

Non-Runners

(4)

Look At The Stars³⁰

Weight: 9-5| Age: 2

T: J P O'Brien J: Declan McDonogh

(2)

Ezeliya²⁵

Weight: 9-2| Age: 2

T: D K Weld J: Leigh Roche

Forecasts

Grosvenor Square (10/11), Zaphod (7/2), Naval Force (6/1), Ezeliya (6/1), Cambridge (13/2), Look At The Stars (10/1), Spanish Flame (12/1), Gibbs Island (33/1)

GROSVENOR SQUARE impressed when landing a Galway maiden on debut last month and encouragingly built on that upped markedly in class 11 days later when third in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at the Curragh 4 weeks ago. Open to further improvement now his stamina is tested further, he looks sure to play a big part. Naval Force and Cambridge head the dangers, whilst Ezeliya, the only filly in the line-up shouldn't be underestimated either.