BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3) (4yo+) – 1m3f211y
1. AL AASY (6)
J: Daniel Tudhope T: William Haggas
Middle-distance stalwart who still packs a punch despite his advancing years, as his last-gasp French Group 2 success 34 days ago suggests. Has a 5lb penalty to overcome for that victory which makes life tough, but at least won’t have too much ground to make up in a small field.
Watch every race from Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 512) on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd October.
2. BY THE BOOK (4)
J: Billy Loughnane T: Charlie Appleby
Lovely big son of Frankel who remains lightly raced for a five-year-old. Two solid runs here in the UK this year, one behind Al Aasy at Beverley, and another at Chester 42 days ago. On good terms with himself and is 5lb better off with Al Aasy, but needs to return to early campaign Dubai form to win.
3. PLAGE DE HAVRE (1)
J: Callum Hutchinson T: Andrew Balding
Five-year-old who has progressed with each season of racing, coming here on the back of a career best win at Chester 21 days ago. Respected for an in-form team, but must prove himself away from flat tracks, given he’s thrived at the likes of Chester, Haydock and York.
4. ROYAL PLAYWRIGHT (2)
J: Jason Watson T: Andrew Balding
Incredibly well-bred sort by Lope De Vega x Arabian Queen. Looked like he might develop into a top-class three-year-old last season, but his form stayed solid in and around Listed level. Has only had one run this season, 120 days ago, when shaping well in a messy race. Market likely to guide what’s expected about a horse who must prove he stays this trip.
5. ROYAL POWER (3)
J: Kieran Shoemark T: Charlie Appleby
Lightly-raced son of Frankel who has some smart form in Dubai to his name, for all he has clearly been hard to train in parts. This is his first start in 189 days but has run well and won fresh previously. Will enjoy the good ground and respected for an in-form outfit.
6. TENABILITY (5)
J: Harry Davies T: William Haggas
Likable, honest and progressive sort who has three course and distances wins to his name. Versatile with regards ground, winning here last year on good to firm, while taking a Listed Windsor contest 35 days ago in soft. That was a fine performance under a penalty, and makes him the horse to beat.
Watch every race from Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 512) on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd October.
Declan’s verdict
The Appleby and Haggas yards hold strong hands in this Group 3 contest, that especially the case with the latter named. There doesn’t appear to be much pace on which makes things tricky, but the nod just about goes to TENABILITY who has proven himself to be in top form recently. Despite a 5lb penalty, stablemate Al Aasy is respected given the pace he has, whereas the selection is more of a grinding type, but can hopefully outstay his rivals late, for all I doubt it will be pretty.