As usual there's a strong European challenge and NOTABLE SPEECH can make amends for last year's narrow defeat. Sahlan and The Lion In Winter both haven't stood much racing and can give the selection most to think about.
Notable Speech
Sahlan
The Lion In Winter
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
2. Notable Speech
J: William BuickT: Charles Appleby
F: 153-44521
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
48
Verdict
Had a fantastic season last year winning a pair of Group 1s, including the British 2000 Guineas. Finished his year beaten less than a length third in this. Taken time to fully reach the boil in 2025 but his last 2 runs suggest he'll be primed for this.
4. The Lion In Winter
J: Christophe SoumillonT: Aidan P. O'Brien
Price History:
-
Age:
3
Weight:
8-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
13
Verdict
Won both 2-y-o starts last year. Hasn't completely gone on as expected this season though he's produced good efforts at the top level the last twice. Can't be ignored for top trainer.
3. Sahlan
J: Mickael BarzalonaT: Francis - Henri Graffard
Price History:
-
Age:
3
Weight:
8-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
54
Verdict
Has gradually found his feet this season, tasting success the last twice. Had The Lion In Winter back in third when winning Group 1 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp latest. French challenger has few miles on the clock and is a serious threat.
11. Rhetorical
J: Irad Ortiz, Jr.T: William Walden
F: 13-1111
Price History:
9.00
Age:
4
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Beaten just once from 6 outings. Took the step up in grade in his stride when scoring in the Grade 1 Turf Mile at Keeneland last out. This is tougher but he's respected.
8. Formidable Man
J: John R. VelazquezT: Michael W. McCarthy
F: 111-01411
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
62
Verdict
Unbeaten in 6 starts at Del Mar. Given a break since landing a pair of Grade 2s at this venue in the summer. Can't be tossed on account of his track record alone.
7. Johannes
J: Umberto RispoliT: Tim Yakteen
F: 111121-91
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
34
Verdict
Top West Coast miler who filled the runner-up spot in this twelve months ago. Had a delayed return this year due to injury but showed his ability remains by claiming second Grade 2 City of Hope Mile at Santa Anita last out. Chief home hope against the Europeans.
5. Program Trading
J: Flavien PratT: Chad C. Brown
F: 15-22
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Triple Grade 1 winner who hasn't stood much racing. Second to Rhetorical in Grade 1 Turf Mile at Keeneland last out. Will need more against this opposition.
10. Jonquil
J: Colin T. KeaneT: Andrew Balding
F: 16-120514
Price History:
-
Age:
3
Weight:
8-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Won 2 Group races earlier in the season in Britain. Behind a reopposing pair in the Grade 1 Turf Mile at Keeneland latest. A smart performer in his own right, this demands even more.
13. Qirat
J: Rossa RyanT: Ralph Beckett
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Caused a huge 150-1 shock when used as a rabbit in Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in the summer. Hasn't looked like repeating that effort both outings since. Draw makes things difficult.
9. Argine
J: Lanfranco DettoriT: Mitsumasa Nakauchida
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
8-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
89
Verdict
Japanese challenger who seems to be getting better all the time. Gained a second Group 3 success at Sapporo when last seen. Dettori takes the reins. Could be a live outsider.
1. One Stripe
J: Juan J. HernandezT: H. Graham Motion
F: 11211-165
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
48
Verdict
Prolific winner when trained in South Africa, including twice at Group 1 level. Hard to make a serious win case for in this different test.
6. Gran Oriente
J: Hector Isaac BerriosT: Jose M. Alvarez
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
159
Verdict
Chilean import who seems best on turf, winning 3 of his 4 starts in his native country, including a 'Win and You're In' event back in May. Not seen on the track since and passed over.
12. Gas Me Up
J: Jose L. OrtizT: Kevin Attard
F: 1-5113
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
-
Days Since Last Run:
48
Verdict
Has winning form at Del Mar when previously trained in California. Third behind Notable Speech in Grade 1 Woodbine Mile in September. Last year's winning jockey Jose Ortiz gets the ride.