One of three in the contest for Juddmonte, Field Of Gold bids for Classic redemption after an agonising defeat in the British equivalent three weeks ago. Sporting the same colours, Cosmic Year puts his unbeaten record on the line and is respected. Seeking a record-extending 13th win in the Classic, Aidan O'Brien's OFFICER could be the answer. The Dubawi colt had plenty up his sleeve when winning over C&D last time and there should be further improvement to come. Hotazhell has to overcome an absence but brings Group 1-winning form to the table. [Adrian Wall]
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Big step forward from debut when bolting up on fast ground in 6f Cork maiden last September; second in 7f Listed at Dundalk next time; soundly beaten in Group 3 at Leopardstown in October; beaten 0.5l by Henri Matisse on return in 7f Leopardstown Group 3; plenty to find in this lineup.
One of three for Juddmonte; three wins from three, having recorded impressive wins in 7f novice events at Sandown (good) and Kempton (AW); looked a potentially high-class performer when overcoming quirkiness to win 7f Listed at Newmarket (good) on latest; both the third and sixth have won Listed-class races since; contender.
Narrow win on debut here (7f, good) last October before mighty run in the Group 1 Dewhurst (7f, soft) at Newmarket just a week later, beaten only a neck by Shadow Of Light having raced apart from the winner; disappointed when Ballydoyle's sole contender for the 2,000 Guineas on return but it's too early to write him off.
Two wins from four in 2yo campaign, including Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown (7f, good); displayed considerable improvement on reappearance when impressive in the Group 3 Craven at Newmarket (1m, good) last month; wasn't seen to best effect when runner-up as favourite in 2,000 Guineas; now gets the services of the Irish champion jockey; the one to beat.
Second to Henri Matisse in last year's Futurity at this track but stepped up on that effort when winning the Beresford over C&D (good to yielding) and the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, soft) when seeing off Delacroix (2-2 since) by a nose; clearly very talented and handles any ground but will need to be sharp on return tackling race-fit rivals.
Brother to last year's smart middle-distance filly Wingspan; dam Hydrangea top-class at up to 1m4f; snug winner of maiden here on debut (7f, good) last summer and acquitted himself well on seasonal return when third over same trip in Listed Gladness Stakes here in March; impressive winner of C&D Listed contest (good) 19 days ago; big player.
Developed well as a 2yo with runner-up finishes in Group 1 races at Deauville (6f, good to soft) and Longchamp (7f, soft), showing that his 80-1 success in the Coventry (good to firm) was no fluke; found an improver too good in Group 3 Greenham at Newbury (7f) on return; should relish the extra furlong but likely to come up short.
Inexperience evident when 2l third of four in Group 2 Futurity here (7f, good) last August on his second start; more professional when winning Group 1 National Stakes here (7f, good) in September by a neck from Henri Matisse; possibly stretched by this trip when seventh in 2,000 Guineas on return, weakening late on; others preferred.
Significant improvement every time in four-race 2yo campaign, including landing York novice (1m, good to soft) and close third of five behind Hotazhell in Group 2 at this track (1m, good to yielding); hung left all the way up the straight when runner-up in Classic Trial at Sandown (1m2f, good) on return; hard to fancy; cheekpieces.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
