Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 2m 32.04s

(4)

Christmas Day⁵²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 118| D

6/4

Only third in the Dante but relished the step up to 1½m and a return to soft ground when a convincing 2¾-length winner of the Derby at Epsom. Showed no ill effects from a hard race there when second of 8 to Benvenuto Cellini in Irish Derby at the Curragh (1½m) and much respected under a penalty.

Form: 11-1312

(6)

Maltese Cross³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 115| D

9/4

Progressive son of Sea The Stars who battled hard to edge out a plucky rival in Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f) before an excellent second to Christmas Day in the Derby itself at Epsom. Fine attitude again in evidence when successful in Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp and remains open to progress.

Form: 21-1121

(3)

Antigua^b,t⁵²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Ronan Whelan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 87

150/1

Showed further improvement fitted with blinkers/tongue strap when winning 1¼m maiden at Fairyhouse in June under an attacking ride. Failed badly to meet expectations on handicap debut at the Curragh since and probably in this field as a pacemaker.

Form: 80-4410

(1)

Galiyan⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 106| BF| D

20/1

Built on his debut promise when staying on well to land a well-run 1½m maiden at Chester in May. Below market expectations in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot but back on the up when second of 5 to Point of Law in Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket (13f) latest, conceding first run. More required.

Form: 4162

(2)

Pierre Bonnard⁵²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116

10/3

Highly promising Group 1 winner at 2 yrs. Disappointing when seventh of 13 to Christmas Day in the Derby at Epsom but turned in easily his best effort of the season when 2 lengths third of 8 to Benvenuto Cellini in Irish Derby at the Curragh latest. Obvious contender on these terms.

Form: 11-7273

(5)

Superior Choice³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Shane Foley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 104

15/2

1,100,000 gns Dubawi colt of a Group 1 winning dam and has quickly proved himself a smart prospect, showing a fine turn of foot when completing the hat-trick in 6-runner listed event at Hamilton (11f) 33 days ago. Open to further progress and is an intriguing runner up further in grade.

Form: 4-111

Forecasts

Christmas Day (6/4), Maltese Cross (9/4), Pierre Bonnard (10/3), Superior Choice (15/2), Galiyan (20/1), Antigua (150/1)

A cracking renewal of the Great Voltigeur Stakes. PIERRE BONNARD made an underwhelming start to his 3-y-o campaign but turned in easily his best effort when 2 lengths third of 8 in the Irish Derby at the Curragh on his latest outing and is weighted to reverse the form with Derby-winning stablemate Christmas Day. Maltese Cross, a progressive and most likeable son of Sea The Stars, did well to get himself out of a tight spot to land the Grand Prix de Paris and is an obvious player, too.