Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 1m 22.85s

(2)

Holguin⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: H Al Jehani| OR: 109| D

16/1

Dual listed winner over 7f at Chester and finished third in the same grade there in July. Gained a first Group 3 success in 10-runner contest at Baden-Baden (6f) in August, but more needed as he goes back up in grade here.

Form: 31-6351

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(4)

Never So Brave²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 112| D

4/1

Made up into a very smart performer in 2025, including success in the Group 1 City of York. However, he hasn't managed to reach the same heights this year, again failing to see his race out when sixth of 8 in Park Stakes at Doncaster.

Form: 552656

(1)

Witness Stand^p,t⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: K Shoemark| T: Dr R Newland| OR: 109| D

9/2

Without a win this season but went close in Group 3 at Epsom in June. Similar form when third in Lennox Stakes at Goodwood and was beaten only by a thriving type in listed race at Redcar 6 days ago. Could be in the mix.

Form: 263652

(6)

Time To Turn⁸⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 107| D

11/2

Successful 3 of final 4 starts last season, including the Horris Hill at Newbury (7f). Took a step forward on return when runner-up to an exciting stablemate in listed race at Sandown (1m), before not ideally placed in Group 1 at Deauville (7f) in July. Respected.

Form: 1181-26

(5)

Flora Of Bermuda²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: A M Balding| OR: 111| C| D

85/40

Has proved as good as ever this season, winning 3 times including Group 3s at York and Goodwood in July. Down the field in the Group 1 City of York, but soon bounced back with a good second in Park Stakes at Doncaster last month. Strong contender.

Form: 101102

(3)

Pina Sonata²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 107| D

9/2

Strong-travelling type who won listed race at Kempton (1m) on return. Ran poorly at Epsom next time but has left that behind in 2 starts since, suited by a well-run race when landing 19-runner Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster (7f) last month. Might not get the same set up here, though.

Form: 06-1751

Forecasts

Flora Of Bermuda (85/40), Never So Brave (4/1), Witness Stand (9/2), Pina Sonata (9/2), Time To Turn (11/2), Holguin (16/1)

FLORA OF BERMUDA has an excellent record outside of Group 1s this season, winning 3 times and running well when second in the Park Stakes at Doncaster last time, so she is taken to add to her tally. Time To Turn had excuses on his latest outing and could be the biggest threat back down in grade, ahead of Witness Stand.