14:30 Sandown

Friday 5 July 2024

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:25

Dragon Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 14:32 | Winning time: 1m 1.9300000000000002s

(6)

Aesterius¹⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: James Doyle| T: A Watson| OR: 101| D

6/4

Early foal who fetched £380,000 at the breeze-ups and he landed the odds without too much fuss starting out at Bath. Excellent fifth of 13 in Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot since, moving sweetly for a long way and leaving the impression he can progress again. The one to beat.

Form: 15

(2)

End Of Story¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: W Buick| T: K A Ryan| OR: 84| D

10/1

Justified favouritism in 13-runner maiden (4/1) at Thirsk (5f, soft) on debut. Not seen to best effect in Woodcote at Epsom and gave a good account back at 5f when tenth of 27 in Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot. Not taken lightly with Buick booked.

Form: 150

(4)

Kinetic Force¹³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: Darragh Keenan| T: D Donovan| OR: 78| D

66/1

Land Force colt. Half-brother to several winners, including smart winner up to 6.5f King's Lynn. Knew his job to win 10-runner maiden at Lingfield (5f, good) on debut and similar form when third under a penalty at Redcar. Plenty to find at this level.

Form: 13

(5)

The Actor¹⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 93| D

5/2

Confirmed debut promise when narrow winner of a warm Newmarket novice in May. Bit underwhelming when mid-field in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot since but he's better than that.

Form: 210

(1)

Zminiature^t¹⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: Rhys Clutterbuck| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 89| D

33/1

Territories colt who won a weak renewal of the Brocklesby at Doncaster (heavy). Much better form when third in listed event over C&D 2 months later but outclassed in Coventry at Royal Ascot since. Others stronger.

Form: 130

(3)

It Ain't Two⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 8-13| J: Oisin Murphy| T: H Palmer| OR: 89| D

5/2

Winner 2 of her 4 starts, namely Newmarket maiden (5f) on debut and 6f Carlisle novice. Very good 2¼ lengths fourth of 12 in listed race on the July Course (6f, good to firm, 7/1) 6 days ago despite a slow start and she's a player.

Form: 1814

Non-Runners

(7)

Soldier's Heart¹⁴

Weight: 9-4| Age: 2

T: S & E Crisford J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Aesterius (6/4), It Ain't Two (5/2), The Actor (5/2), Soldier's Heart (9/2), End Of Story (10/1), Zminiature (33/1), Kinetic Force (66/1)

The obvious one is AESTERIUS, who shaped well when beaten 1¼ lengths in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot 2 weeks ago. The Actor, who is better than he was able to show in the Coventry, is next best, ahead of It Ain't Two.