Davies Insurance Solutions Gala Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 16:11 | Winning time: 2m 4.76s

(3)

Cash⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 107

7/2

Hold-up performer who stepped up on his comeback when fourth in listed race at Goodwood 6 weeks ago, nearest finish. Low-mileage 6-y-o who's entitled to come on again. Player.

Form: 49/43-64

(6)

Caviar Heights²⁸⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 104| D

4/1

Smart form when wide-margin winner of listed race at Newmarket last season. Failed to hit that level after but type to make a better 4-y-o (has been gelded) starting out for this yard (sold from K. R. Burke for 520,000 gns).

Form: 316936-

(4)

Checkandchallenge¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: Callum Shepherd| T: W J Knight| OR: 110| D

13/2

Smart performer who looked as good as ever when 4 lengths fifth of 8 in Group 1 Lockinge at Newbury. Looks the one to beat on that form but needs to shrug off a lacklustre display at Royal Ascot.

Form: 5-28359

(5)

Jeff Koons¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: James Doyle| T: H Al Jehani| OR: 101| D

11/1

Useful performer who scored at Al Uqda (11.5f) in March and ran well off a stiff mark when eighth of 30 in Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot. Bit to find here, though.

Form: 014268

(1)

Savvy Victory^b1⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: S M Levey| T: S Woods| OR: 104| CD

18/1

Convincing winner of this 2 years ago and also good second last year. Narrow winner of Newcastle handicap in December but yet to fire in 3 runs in 2025. Change of headgear.

Form: 541-409

(2)

Windlord^p¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Colin Keane| T: A M Balding| OR: 105

6/4

Used as a pacemaker for Field of Gold in the Irish 2000 Guineas/St James's Palace last 2 starts but useful in his own right (runner-up in Classic Trial here on return) and needs considering taking on his elders for the first time.

Form: 213-286

Forecasts

Windlord (6/4), Cash (7/2), Caviar Heights (4/1), Checkandchallenge (13/2), Jeff Koons (11/1), Savvy Victory (18/1)

WINDLORD has been used as a pacemaker in Group 1 events the last twice but he's more than capable at this sort of level and could get the run of the race. Cash will be finishing strongly, while Caviar Heights is one to note on his comeback run for a new yard.