14:25 York

Friday 23 August 2024

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series)

Off time: 14:26 | Winning time: 3m 28.54s

(6)

Al Nayyir⁸⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: L Morris| T: Tom Clover| OR: 114

33/1

Has developed into a smart stayer since being trained in France, his best effort coming when 2 lengths second of 15 in Dubai Gold Cup in March. However, that performance is a standout and well below that level for a different yard in Group 2 at Longchamp next time. Has since changed yards again.

Form: 14-2425

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(3)

Alsakib⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: P J McDonald| T: A M Balding| OR: 111| C

9/1

Developed into a smart performer in 2023, winning 4 times, including a couple of valuable handicaps, and best effort this term when winning Group 3 here (13.8f) 6 weeks ago. However, that wasn't a strong race for the grade and likely to find a few too good here.

Form: 17-6341

(1)

Gregory²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 113

5/2

Most progressive when winning first 3 starts last season, notably when making all in Queen's Vase. Excuses in Great Voltigeur/St Leger and made an encouraging return when third in Yorkshire Cup. Too bad to be true in Ascot Gold Cup and duly bounced back when third in Goodwood Cup. Big shout.

Form: 135-373

(5)

Point Lonsdale⁵⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116

2/1

Highly tried since winning first 2 starts last season but resumed winning ways back down in Ormonde Stakes at Chester in May. Not disgraced back at Group 1 level when third in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud since. Shapes as if he wants a marathon trip nowadays so is an interesting contender.

Form: 43-0613

(2)

Quickthorn⁴⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: Tom Marquand| T: H Morrison| OR: 113| CD

16/1

Front runner who slipped the field when a wide-margin winner of the Goodwood Cup last summer and did the same in this race next time. However, well held since (unable to dominate) and opposable on balance.

Form: 4116-54

(8)

Tashkhan⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Ben Robinson| T: B Ellison| OR: 109

40/1

Smart stayer who signed off for 2023 with a solid third in the Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp. However, well held both starts this season so has plenty to prove.

Form: 0133-05

(4)

Vauban^t³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: W P Mullins| OR: 112| BF| D

11/2

High-class hurdler and also smart on the Flat. Decent comeback when second in Yorkshire Cup before shaping as though extreme trip of Ascot Gold Cup was too much. Disappointed in Curragh Cup next time but capable of bouncing back over a C&D which should play to his strengths.

Form: 110-243

(7)

Night Sparkle²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 104| D

11/1

Progressive on the Flat for Michael O'Callaghan last summer and similar form when runner-up 3 of her 4 starts this term, including in Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood (14f, good to firm, 8/1) 20 days ago. Opposable back against the males, however.

Form: 18-2722

(9)

Align The Stars²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 102

14/1

Sea The Stars colt who continues to improve with each run, winning handicaps at Thirsk and Haydock before completing hat-trick at Glorious Goodwood. Will stay but this is a tough ask.

Form: 223111

Forecasts

Point Lonsdale (2/1), Gregory (5/2), Vauban (11/2), Alsakib (9/1), Night Sparkle (11/1), Align The Stars (14/1), Quickthorn (16/1), Al Nayyir (33/1), Tashkhan (40/1)

GREGORY put his Gold Cup shocker behind him when just edged out for second in the Goodwood Cup and can record his first win since making all in the Queen's Vase at Ascot as a 3-y-o. Vauban needs to shrug off a disappointing run at the Curragh but he finished in front of the selection in the Yorkshire Cup here and is an obvious threat, with Point Lonsdale another to consider with the extra distance likely to suit.