Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 1m 26.73s

(4)

Dorset^h1⁴⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Gavin Ryan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 103| BF| CD

22/1

C&D maiden winner in June but finished 2½ lengths behind the reopposing Zavateri when stepped up to Group 2 company in the Vintage at Goodwood (7f, good) 47 days ago. Hooded first time.

Form: 215

(5)

Gstaad²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: C Soumillon| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 115| BF

10/11

Built on his debut defeat of smart stablemate True Love when an impressive 3-length winner of the Coventry at Royal Ascot (6f, firm) in June. Just failed to get to Venetian Sun in the Morny at Deauville (6f, good to firm again) and this step up to 7f should suit. Hard to beat.,

Form: 112

(6)

Italy²⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Ronan Whelan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 105| BF| D

7/2

Leopardstown debut winner and better form when runner-up in 7f Group races at Newmarket (beaten 1¼ lengths by Saba Desert) and York since. Leaves the impression he has bigger performances in him but Gstaad has to be considered the yard number one.

Form: 122

(3)

North Coast⁵²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: D Browne McMonagle| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 108| D

14/1

Progressive form, running out a 6-length winner of a 7f Leopardstown listed race 52 days ago. Will need to improve again to go close here but his yard's very good recent record in this provides hope.

Form: 3121

(2)

Saba Desert⁶⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 107| D

6/1

Followed up his debut win when proving 1¼ lengths too strong for Italy in the Group 2 Superlative at the Newmarket July meeting, despite still showing obvious signs of inexperience. Definitely more to come.

Form: 11

(1)

Zavateri⁴⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 113| D

15/2

3-3, including Group 2s at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) and Goodwood (7f, good). Dug deep to defy a penalty at the latter track and unlikely to give up his unbeaten record without a fight.

Form: 111

Forecasts

Gstaad (10/11), Italy (7/2), Saba Desert (6/1), Zavateri (15/2), North Coast (14/1), Dorset (22/1)

GSTAAD looked ready for 7f when a close second in the Morny and can go one better in a Group 1 this time. Zavateri showed a really good attitude to defy a Group 2 penalty at Goodwood and may provide the main threat ahead of Saba Desert, who had the reopposing Italy behind him when landing the Superlative at the Newmarket July meeting.