14:25 Newmarket

Sunday 5 May 2024

All13:5014:2515:0015:4016:1516:5017:25

William Hill Dahlia Stakes (Fillies' & Mares' Group 2)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 1m 50.23s

(6)

Silver Lady^h¹⁰⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 105| C

16/5

Career-best effort when landing Group 2 at Meydan in January (1m) displaying a willing attitude in the process. 3 lb penalty to carry as a result but she's in top hands and is still unexposed.

Form: 1360-1

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(5)

Astral Beau⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: S W Kelly| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 104| C

15/2

Very progressive handicapper in 2022 and improved another chunk when landing a listed race at Doncaster on 2023 reappearance. Plenty of solid efforts in defeat since, including when runner-up on last month's repeat bid. Likeable mare who will give it another good go.

Form: 13348-2

(3)

Caernarfon²⁶³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: David Probert| T: J Channon| OR: 109| C

7/1

Reached the frame in the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks on her first 2 outings last year. Ran right up to her best when beaten only 2¾ lengths into fifth in the Nassau at Goodwood and Salisbury race less than a fortnight later may have come too soon. Off since.

Form: 1/43656-

(1)

Heartache Tonight²⁶⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: J P Spencer| T: D Menuisier| OR: 105| D

20/1

Yet to add to her heavy-ground Longchamp debut success at 2 but she showed useful form when in the frame at Group level in France last spring. Off since creditable 2½ lengths sixth in Deauville Group 2 (12.5f, soft) in August.

Form: 1/3466-

(2)

Running Lion¹⁹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 105| C

6/4

Impressive when easily completing a 4-timer in the 1¼m Pretty Polly (soft) at this meeting a year ago. Back on track after her flop in the French Oaks when placed twice after before finishing mid-field in Group 1 company at Ascot. Major player on reappearance back in trip.

Form: 110238-

(4)

Stay Alert^t¹⁹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: David Egan| T: H Morrison| OR: 110

5/1

Developed into a smart performer at 3, the highlight being a Group 3 success at Newbury. Hold-up tactics not as effective in very good company last term, only really giving her true running once when runner-up in a first-time tongue tie in the Pretty Polly. Has the form to be major player on return.

Form: 0/52690-

Non-Runners

(7)

Novus¹

Weight: 9-2| Age: 4

T: G & J Moore J: T P Queally

Forecasts

Running Lion (6/4), Silver Lady (16/5), Stay Alert (5/1), Caernarfon (7/1), Astral Beau (15/2), Novus (8/1), Heartache Tonight (20/1)

RUNNING LION won at this meeting last year and while she lacks a prep run this time that's no concern given the yard she represents and this drop in trip may help her cause. She's just about the most persuasive option, though Stay Alert is a huge threat on her best form, while Silver Lady isn't yet exposed and is another danger, even with a penalty.