Al Rayyan Stakes (Registered As The Aston Park Stakes) (Group 3)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 2m 35.69s

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Selected odds by:

(3)

Crystal Ocean²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 118| D

2/5

Has won three of his seven starts and produced a fine effort to finish runner-up in last year's St Leger. Impressive when battling on gamely to win over an inadequate trip in a Group 3 at Sandown on reappearance and the one to beat back up in trip.

Form: 13312-1

(4)

Raheen House¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: J P Spencer| T: B J Meehan| OR: 114

5/1

Very disappointing on reappearance at Ascot but won a Group 3 last year and he will appreciate the drop back in trip here. Has place claims if he can bounce back.

Form: 41712-5

(5)

Scarlet Dragon^h³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Tom Marquand| T: A King| OR: 108| CD

20/1

Won four times in handicap company back in 2016 but failed to get his head in front last year, though did place in a Group 3 on AW. Fair efforts over hurdles since having wind surgery but needs more to land a significant blow at this level.

Form: 603020-

(2)

Second Step²³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 110| BF| CD

5/1

Won a Group 2 at Newmarket before winning a German Group 1 in 2015. Effective at this level as his record shows last year, placing three times in Group company and winning two Listed race but needs more to get the better of the top weight here.

Form: 312212-

(1)

Buildmeupbuttercup¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: Charles Bishop| T: M R Channon

40/1

Won twice in bumper company and produced a fair effort when fourth in Listed class at Goodwood earlier in the month but she needs much more to trouble these rivals.

Form: 4

Forecasts

Crystal Ocean (2/5), Second Step (5/1), Raheen House (5/1), Scarlet Dragon (20/1), Buildmeupbuttercup (40/1)

CRYSTAL OCEAN was an impressive winner last time out, getting the better of a race-fit rival over a trip short of his optimum and this colt should be a force to reckon with this year after an excellent three-year-old campaign. Second Step should be capable of landing a place while Raheen House isn't dismissed back over a more realistic trip.