Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 15:02 | Winning time: 1m 26.70s

(6)

Ancient Truth⁹¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: James Doyle| T: C Appleby| OR: 114| C| D

13/8

Perfect start when taking 6f novice here and confirmed that he's an excellent prospect when winning next 2 starts on the July Course, notably 6-runner Superlative Stakes (7f, good) by 1½ lengths from Seagulls Eleven. That form looks solid and he must be respected.

Form: 111

(4)

Expanded⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| D

12/1

Wootton Bassett colt. Half-brother to useful 2-y-o 7f winner Henry Adams, out of a sister to smart winner up to 9f (stayed 1½m) Mohawk. Came out on top in a bunch finish in 14-runner maiden at the Curragh (7f, good to soft) on debut last week but asking a lot stepping up to this company so soon.

Form: 1

(2)

Rock Of Cashel²⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 103| D

33/1

Left debut form well behind when winning maiden at Galway in July. Limitations exposed at a higher level since, 5½ lengths sixth of 8 in National Stakes at the Curragh (7f, good, 40/1) 27 days ago. Tough ask once again.

Form: 8146

(3)

Seagulls Eleven²⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: H Palmer| OR: 112| D

9/1

Confirmed debut promise when winning at Haydock in June and cranked his form up again when 1½ lengths second of 6 to Ancient Truth in Superlative Stakes on July Course. Good 1½ lengths third of 8 in National Stakes at the Curragh since but likely to find a couple too strong again.

Form: 2123

(1)

Shadow Of Light¹⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 119| C

1/1

Won maiden/novice events on first 2 starts before going down by only ¾ length in Gimcrack at York (6f, good to firm). Took another big step forward when resuming winning ways in Middle Park Stakes at this course (6f, good to soft) 14 days ago by 4 lengths. Will stay 7f so obvious claims.

Form: 1121

Non-Runners

(5)

The Lion In Winter⁵²

Weight: 9-3| Age: 2

T: A P O'Brien J: R L Moore

Forecasts

Shadow Of Light (1/1), The Lion In Winter (1/1), Ancient Truth (13/8), Seagulls Eleven (9/1), Expanded (12/1), Rock Of Cashel (33/1)

THE LION IN WINTER has been most impressive in winning both his starts so far, notably when making all in a strong renewal of the Acomb at York, and he may prove hard to peg back once again. Shadow of Light is the obvious threat having been supplemented for this after his wide margin success in the Middle Park here 2 weeks ago, while his unbeaten stablemate Ancient Truth is another to consider with the form of his Superlative win having worked out well.