MansionBet Beaten By A Head Festival Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 14:12 | Winning time: 2m 11.74s

Settings

Selected odds by:

(2)

Al Zaraqaan²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Jim Crowley| T: W J Haggas| OR: 107| D

6/4

Progressed rapidly as 3-y-o and took his form up a notch when impressively landing Rosebery Handicap at Kempton. Not disgraced when fourth in Newmarket Group 2 last time and player down in grade here.

Form: 0/111-14

(4)

Desert Encounter^h²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-1| J: M Harley| T: D M Simcock| OR: 115| C| D

2/1

Smart gelding who returned with good second of 7 to Waldkonig in Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown (10f) 29 days ago. Course winner too, so he's well in the mix.

Form: 32250-2

(1)

Stormy Antarctic^t¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 9-1| J: R Kingscote| T: E Walker| OR: 110

10/3

Winless since 2019 but he's still a smart gelding and posted good second of 6 to Solid Stone in 1m listed race at Windsor 12 days ago. Back up in trip and not ruled out for his in-form yard.

Form: 2768-22

(5)

Winter Reprise²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: S De Sousa| T: D Menuisier| OR: 98| D

17/2

Maiden winner in France last year who took his form up a level when fifth of 7 to Waldkonig in Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown (10f) 29 days ago. This demands another step forward, however.

Form: 32162-5

Non-Runners

(3)

Majestic Dawn²³⁸

Weight: 9-1| Age: 5

T: P & O Cole J: F Norton

Forecasts

Al Zaraqaan (6/4), Desert Encounter (2/1), Stormy Antarctic (10/3), Majestic Dawn (4/1), Winter Reprise (17/2)

AL ZARAQAAN found the step up to Group 2 company behind Sir Ron Priestley beyond him at Newmarket last time but is fancied to regain winning ways in these calmer waters. Veteran Desert Encounter is greatly respected after his excellent reappearance second at Sandown and the returning Cambridgeshire hero Majestic Dawn can't be ruled out either in a fascinating listed contest.