Tote Ballyroan Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 18:53 | Winning time: 2m 39.8s

(3)

Crystal Black^t¹¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: Colin Keane| T: G Keane| OR: 112| CD

11/8

Progressed into a smart performer in 2024, winning all 4 starts last year including this race. Returned from 8-month absence when fourth of 7 in Alleged Stakes at the Curragh (10f, good, 7/2) in April and, with tongue strap back on, he can take a step forward to resume winning ways.

Form: 1/1111-4

(5)

Layfayette^b,t⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 9-9| J: Chris Hayes| T: N Meade| OR: 101| D

14/1

Twelve runs since last win in 2023, but best effort this season when second in Group 3 at the Curragh in June. Back in handicap company, had hopeless task from position when thirteenth of 18 at Galway (12f, good to soft, 12/1) 6 days ago. Can give a good account with blinkers back on.

Form: 0-64320

(2)

Sons And Lovers⁵¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Dylan Browne McMonagle| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 110

6/5

Winless since debut but has made a sound start for current yard this season, good fourth of 6 in Group 2 at the Curragh before running to a similar level when fifth of 16 in listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot (10f, good to firm, 11/2) last time. Enters calculations upped in trip.

Form: 284-345

(4)

This Songisforyou⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: Ronan Whelan| T: E Mullins| OR: 99

22/1

Landed a premier handicap at the Curragh last season and, in first-time tongue strap, shaped better than result when fifth of 7 in minor event at Galway (14.1f, good to soft, 4/1) 6 days ago, racing too freely upped in trip. Has something to find at this level.

Form: 7310-65

(1)

Sea The Boss³⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: S Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 94

18/1

Group 3 winner at Naas last year but form has gone the wrong way this season, in first-time cheekpieces when ninth of 11 in listed race at Roscommon (12.1f, good to soft, 33/1) 37 days ago. Looks to be up against it in this contest.

Form: 140-769

(6)

Siege Of Troy^p,t⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Ben Coen| T: J P Murtagh| OR: 99

12/1

Fourth in listed races first 2 starts this season, before showing improved form in first-time tongue strap when fourth of 18 in Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) at Royal Ascot (12f, good to firm, 16/1) 48 days ago. Will need to find more again back up in grade.

Form: 437-444

Forecasts

Sons And Lovers (6/5), Crystal Black (11/8), Siege Of Troy (12/1), Layfayette (14/1), Sea The Boss (18/1), This Songisforyou (22/1)

CRYSTAL BLACK continued his rise through the ranks last year when successful in this race, scoring with a bit in hand, and with this season's reappearance behind him he can get back on the up. He is taken to see off the challenge of Sons And Lovers, who has run well in his 3 starts for Joseph O'Brien, with Layfayette the pick of the remainder.