Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 1m 1f 209y | 6 Runners | Turf

(5)

Ombudsman⁶¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 128| D

4/5

Top-class performer who showed potent turn of foot to win the Prince of Wales's at Royal Ascot and International at York last summer. Didn't need to be at his best when making a successful return in the Dubai Turf in March and he holds leading claims for all he does have to give 7 lb away.

Form: 21212-1

(2)

Almeric³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 117| BF| D

8/1

Developed into a smart colt last year, bagging listed races at Newmarket and Ayr (both on ground softer than good). Lesser effort in Champion Stakes at Ascot to end the season and only third of 5 in the Gordon Richards here on return, though he remains lightly raced and is worth another chance.

Form: 41/119-3

(6)

Arabian Light¹¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: C Appleby| OR: 111| D

16/1

At least as good as ever when winning handicap at Meydan (1¼m) in January, racing wide but getting the better of Bedouin Prince by ½ length. Upped to Group 3 level, probably should have won when nose second of 7 to Fort George over the same C&D, hanging right. This is tougher, though.

Form: 1305-12

(1)

Bedouin Prince⁹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Connor Planas| T: C Appleby| OR: 107| BF| D

25/1

Progressive in 2025, winning first 2 of 3 starts, and ran well when runner-up to stablemate Arabian Light at Meydan in January. However, wasn't in quite the same form in listed race for the first time when ¾-length second of 10 to Calif at Sakhir (11f) the following month.

Form: 2/112-22

(4)

Gethin⁵²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 113| D

9/4

Looked a good prospect when landing novice races first 2 starts and made his third attempt at listed level a winning one at Kempton in April, well on top at the finish. Has since changed hands (same stable) and he looks ready for this step up in grade.

Form: 1/122-1

(3)

Wimbledon Hawkeye^p²⁰⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Cieren Fallon| T: James Owen| OR: 115| D

12/1

Made the frame at pattern level 5 of first 6 starts last season, before gaining reward for his consistency when landing a Grade 3 at Kentucky in August. Found things tough when down the field in Breeders' Cup Turf on final outing, but he can give his running on reappearance.

Form: 342210-

Forecasts

Ombudsman (8/11), Gethin (3/1), Almeric (6/1), Wimbledon Hawkeye (14/1), Arabian Light (16/1), Bedouin Prince (33/1)

Yet to finish out of the first 2, OMBUDSMAN reappeared with a third Group 1 success of his career at Meydan in March and he can make amends for his defeat in this race last year when beaten only by recent top-level scorer Almaqam. The main danger could be Gethin, who was a decisive winner at listed level on his return, ahead of Almeric.