14:25 York

Saturday 28 June 2025

All13:5514:2515:0015:4016:1516:5017:25

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 1m 23.56s

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Selected odds by:

(7)

Prague^t²⁵²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-13| J: K Shoemark| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 116

16/1

A dual 1m/1m2f scorer in 2024 but he ended the camapaign with a well-beaten eleventh in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot 8 months ago. No surprise to see him bounce back in these much calmer waters.

Form: 145210-

(4)

Lake Forest¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 114| C| D

13/8

Made up into a very smart 7f winner in 2024 (also second in Commonwealth Cup) and he posted another very good effort at Ascot when fifth in the Queen Anne Stakes 11 days ago. The one to beat dropped in grade here.

Form: 7/221-45

(5)

Lethal Levi^b³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 109| D

14/1

Ended 2024 with a clear-cut victory in Ayr Gold Cup and has taken his form up a notch this season, beaten a short head in Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh (6f) 35 days ago. Merits consideration once more.

Form: 011-352

(8)

Nostrum²⁸¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 111| BF| D

16/1

Unreliable type who had a wind op before coming in last of 8 in listed race at Newbury (7f) in September on his final run for Sir Michael Stoute. Needs this yard switch to spark a resurgence on his seasonal return.

Form: 126/628-

(2)

Paborus⁷⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: E Bethell| OR: 111| D

4/1

Highly progressive in 2024 and he continued on the up when a ready scorer on his return in 6-runner conditions stakes at Thirsk (7f) in April. 77 days ago. Goes up in grade now but another bold showing is on the cards.

Form: 4/1171-1

(6)

Quinault^h,t²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Jason Hart| T: S C Williams| OR: 105| C| D

12/1

Course winner but he's yet to hit top form in a trio of runs in 2025 and beat only one in John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock (7f) 28 days ago. Others appeal more.

Form: 133-370

(3)

Room Service²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 109| D

8/1

Signed off for 2024 with 6f Doncaster listed victory and resumed with an encouraging fourth of 12 in John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock (7f) 28 days ago, nearest finish. Can make his presence felt.

Form: 61021-4

(1)

Formal²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 103| D

9/2

Dual 7f scorer at 2 yrs for Sir Michael Stoute and she took her form up a couple of notches when cosily landing 7f Epsom listed event 22 days ago. This is tougher but she has more to offer and shouldn't be underestimated.

Form: 114-81

Forecasts

Lake Forest (13/8), Paborus (4/1), Formal (9/2), Room Service (8/1), Quinault (12/1), Lethal Levi (14/1), Prague (16/1), Nostrum (16/1)

LAKE FOREST lost nothing in defeat when a close fifth in Royal Ascot's Queen Anne last time and can get back to winning ways in this less exacting company. Unexposed duo Paborus and Formal both arrive on an upward curve and could prove the biggest threats to William Haggas' very smart 4-y-o ahead of Room Service and Lethal Levi in this cracking Group 3 contest.