Plantation Stud Criterion Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 1m 23.12s

(1)

Dear My Friend⁴²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Oisin Murphy| T: C Johnston| OR: 113| D

14/1

Developed into a smart performer on AW at the start of this year, winning 3 times over 1m, including a Lingfield listed. Yet to match that form in two turf runs since but he faced a stiff task in Newbury's Lockinge Stakes last time so possibilities.

Form: 0-11108

(2)

Noble Dynasty⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 110| C| D

2/1

Low-mileage 6-y-o who took his form up a notch when readily landing 10-runner handicap at Newmarket (7f, good) 57 days ago. Goes up in grade but this halt-brother to the high-class miler Barney Roy looks to have more to offer. Big player.

Form: 1011/51

(6)

Nostrum⁶⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 112| C| D

5/2

Resumed in 2023 with a 1m listed win here but he came in last of six and looked an awkward ride too in the Mile at Sandown on his reappearance this time around. Has something to prove now.

Form: 13/126-6

(4)

Pogo²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: Jim Crowley| T: C Hills| OR: 109| CD

7/2

Took this contest in 2022 and he comes here on the back of a solid 1½ lengths third of 11 to Tiber Flow in John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock (7.2f, good to firm) 21 days ago. Ought to be thereabouts.

Form: 904-423

(3)

Witch Hunter¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 109| D

4/1

Won the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Ascot and Group 2 Hungerford at Newbury last season. Not quite hit the same heights so far this term despite making the frame in the Lockinge and Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. Still shortlisted.

Form: 0-53394

Non-Runners

(5)

Tiber Flow²¹

Weight: 9-11| Age: 5

T: W J Haggas J: Tom Marquand

Forecasts

Noble Dynasty (2/1), Nostrum (5/2), Pogo (7/2), Tiber Flow (7/2), Witch Hunter (4/1), Dear My Friend (14/1)

Charlie Appleby's NOBLE DYNASTY takes a step up in grade here but this half-brother to the high-class miler Barney Roy looks capable of better so gets the nod in an open Criterion Stakes. John of Gaunt winner Tiber Flow rates a big threat though, while Queen Anne fourth Witch Hunter and 2022 victor Pogo can't be discounted easily either.