L'Ormarins Queen's Plate Glorious Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:46 | Winning time: 2m 37.72s

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(6)

Alounak²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 114

5/1

Second to Fanny Logan in the G2 Hardwicke Stakes on penultimate run a very good effort, but too keen for her own good at Newmarket last time and didn't run his race. Should be fine under prevailing condiitons and clear form chance.

Form: 125-625

(5)

Communique¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 115| C| D

11/4

Has returned to fomr on last two starts, narrowly beaten in the Silver Cup at York last time and drop back to 12f probably a plus. Winner on only start at this track, so has ideal conditions, and might try and take these from start to finish.

Form: 98-5822

(2)

Desert Encounter^h²²

Age: 8| Weight: 9-1| J: Jim Crowley| T: D M Simcock| OR: 114| CD

11/4

Much travelled in his career and often overlooked in these contests, but is a G1 winner, having taken the International at Woodbine for the past two seasons. Won this last year too, and with quick ground no issue, ought not be underestimated.

Form: 11-5673

(1)

Le Don De Vie²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Oisin Murphy| T: H Morrison| OR: 101| C

13/2

Has some good form to his name but it's all at handicap level, and latest fourth at Haydock would leave him some way short of what's required here. On the plus side, has a course win to his name, but minor placings the best he can probably hope for.

Form: 1410-44

(7)

Pablo Escobarr^t¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 108| C| D

9/2

Won a maiden here in 2018, so track no issue, and he's making up into a useful Group performer, placed at Listed level last two starts. Likes to lead, so may have company from Communique up front, but conditions fine and he shoudn't be far away.

Form: 21-2433

(4)

Spirit Of Appin²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 8-12| J: M Dwyer| T: B J Meehan| OR: 104| CD

14/1

Useful filly at Listed/G3 level, found her form last autumn to take a G3 at Newmarket and disappointing reappearance run on soft at Haydock easily forgiven. Carried a big weight to win a C&D handicap last year and might outrun likely big odds here.

Form: 24313-5

Non-Runners

(3)

Thundering Blue³²⁸

Weight: 9-1| Age: 7

T: D Menuisier J: Jason Watson

Forecasts

Desert Encounter (11/4), Communique (11/4), Pablo Escobarr (9/2), Alounak (5/1), Le Don De Vie (13/2), Spirit Of Appin (14/1), Thundering Blue (14/1)

Only a small field but no shortage of pace, with Pablo Escobarr, Communique and possibly Spirit Of Appin all looking for a piece of the lead, and if they go too quickly, they could set it up for a finisher. DESERT ENCOUNTER was victorious in this last year and looks to be peaking at just the right time, with a very good third to Dame Maillot at Newmarket on his latest start. He can come through late to score. Communique may keep going best of the rest to hold on for second, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Spirit Of Appin outrun her likely big odds either.