Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 1m 40.53s

(4)

Poker Face¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: James Doyle| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 112| BF| D

2/1

Ran close to his best when second to Ice Max in Celebration Mile at Goodwood (soft) last month but only a respectable 2 lengths fourth to Diego Valazquez in Leopardstown Group 2 since. Needs to get back to his best.

Form: 2-27P24

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(1)

Prague^t²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: D Tudhope| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 109| BF

10/3

Failed to make the track during his time with Aidan O'Brien but has quickly made up into a smart performer for this yard, proving suit by the drop to 1m when ½-length second to Holloway Boy in Haydock Group 3 earlier this month. Should go well.

Form: 1452

(2)

Ice Max³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 111| D

4/1

Started the year with a couple of very impressive performances in handicaps. Came up short at listed/Group 3 level on next 2 outings but back on the up with a bang when proving a length too strong for Poker Face in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood (soft). 3 lb penalty but still much respected.

Form: 5-11451

(5)

Task Force^t³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: R M Beckett| OR: 110

2/1

Smart and consistent colt who was tongue tied when posting a very good 1¼ lengths third of 9 to reopposing ownermate Lead Artist in Glorious Goodwood Group 3 (1m, firm) early last month. Met some trouble and shaped as if still in good form when fourth in York Group 3 since.

Form: 12-7734

Non-Runners

(3)

Dancing Gemini⁵⁶

Weight: 9-2| Age: 3

T: R A Teal J: Tom Marquand

(6)

Lead Artist¹³

Weight: 9-2| Age: 3

T: J & T Gosden J: K Shoemark

Forecasts

Poker Face (2/1), Task Force (2/1), Lead Artist (11/4), Prague (10/3), Ice Max (4/1), Dancing Gemini (7/1)

LEAD ARTIST will be suited by the return to 1m and can go one better than in similar company at the Doncaster St Leger meeting. Prague shaped well tackling 1m for the first time at Haydock earlier this month and may provide the main threat. Celebration Mile winner Ice Max would also firmly enter the reckoning should the ground turn soft.