Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 2m 7.9s

(6)

Birr Castle⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: R Havlin| T: A Fabre| OR: 112| BF| D

150/1

Smart gelding who has won twice at listed level in his career but reportedly in here to perform pacemaking duties for Ombudsman.

Form: 432-644

(4)

Danon Decile^t¹³⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: K Tosaki| T: Shogo Yasuda| D

7/2

Very smart Japanese-trained colt who proved 1¼ lengths for Calandagan in the Dubai Sheema Classic (1½m, good) when last seen in March. Should have the speed to cope with the drop back in trip.

Form: 1163-11

(5)

Ombudsman⁴⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 127| BF| D

7/4

Announced himself at the top level in the best way possible when producing a superb turn of foot to account for Anmaat in the Prince of Wales's at Royal Ascot (1¼m, firm) in June. Collared close home by Delacroix in the Eclipse at Sandown only 17 days later. Should be close between the pair again.

Form: 111-212

(2)

See The Fire²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 119| CD

7/1

Very smart filly who blew apart the Group 2 Middleton over C&D (good) at the Dante meeting. However, beaten 4½ lengths into third by Ombudsman in the Prince of Wales's at Royal Ascot and no match for Whirl in the Nassau at Goodwood since.

Form: 35-5133

(1)

Daryz⁵²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: M Barzalona| T: F Graffard| D

14/1

Unbeaten French colt who took the step up to Group 2 level in his stride when proving ¾ length too strong for Bay City Roller in the Eugene Adam at Saint-Cloud (1¼m, good) at the end of June. Very interesting runner for the same connections as 2024 runner-up Calandagan.

Form: 1111

(3)

Delacroix⁴⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 126| BF| D

9/4

Had a race to forget when 2/1 favourite for the Derby but bounced back quickly from that blip when getting up late to beat Ombudsman by a neck in the Eclipse at Sandown (1¼m, good to firm) in July. Looks sure to go well again.

Form: 12-1191

Forecasts

Ombudsman (7/4), Delacroix (9/4), Danon Decile (7/2), See The Fire (7/1), Daryz (14/1), Birr Castle (150/1)

Although OMBUDSMAN was edged out by Delacroix in the Eclipse it came only 17 days after his big performance at Royal Ascot and, freshened up since, he might be able to take his revenge on his old rival this time. Unbeaten French 3-y-o Daryz and Japanese raider Danon Decile add a fascinating dimension to what is always one of the highlights of the season.