John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 2m 43.86s

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Selected odds by:

(5)

Artistic Star⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Rob Hornby| T: R M Beckett| OR: 106

3/1

Won his first 2 starts (both softer than good). Improved again when seventh in the Derby at Epsom and creditable 6 lengths third in the King Edward at Royal Ascot since. That underlines he needs a bit more to come out on top at pattern level but it's still early days after only 4 starts.

Form:

(3)

Burdett Road⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: N Callan| T: M L W Bell| OR: 98

28/1

Big improver in handicaps since stepped back up to 1¼m, winning easily at Newbury and following up in the Golden Gates at Royal Ascot. More will be needed here and the trip and likely ground are unknowns.

Form:

(1)

Canberra Legend⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J Ferguson| OR: 104

7/1

AW debut winner in February. Took the jump up in class in his stride when following up in Feilden Stakes at Newmarket (9f, good to soft) in April. Disappointed in the Dante but straight back on track when fifth in the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot (1¼m, good to firm). Shapes as if he'll stay 1½m.

Form:

(4)

Chesspiece¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: James Doyle| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 106| D

7/2

Made a winning handicap debut upped to 1½m at the York Dante meeting. Improved again when third to Gregory in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot (1¾m) before dropping back to 11f to win the Glasgow Stakes at Hamilton 13 days ago. Unlikely to be far away.

Form:

(2)

Desert Hero⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 102| D

7/1

Produced a smart performance when winning the traditionally very strong King George (Handicap) at Royal Ascot in June. Won on soft ground as a 2-y-o. Capable of making his presence felt at a higher level.

Form:

(6)

Espionage³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 112| D

7/4

Went down only narrowly in a Group 1 in France (heavy ground) on his final 2-y-o start and made a winning return to action in 1½m Roscommon listed race (good to soft) last month. Looks capable of better again and the one to beat.

Form:

Forecasts

Espionage (7/4), Artistic Star (3/1), Chesspiece (7/2), Desert Hero (7/1), Canberra Legend (7/1), Burdett Road (28/1)

Deep ground won't be an issue for ESPIONAGE after going close in a French Group 1 in the mud on his final 2-y-o start. He showed he's trained on with a listed success on his Roscommon reappearance and can provide Aidan O'Brien with a third win in this since 2015. Chesspiece, Desert Hero and Canberra Legend can give the selection most to do in that order.