FORCE BE WITH YOU
(%,' A competitive handicap for which Communique has to be considered after winning two valuable events this season. He is up 5lb for his latest success but remains of interest off his current mark. However, a chance is taken with
BATHSHEBA BAY. He ran a blinder when third against older rivals at Sandown – form which had a massive boost when the runner-up, Alfarris, scored here on Tuesday. Both Rock
Eagle and New Show are potential improvers and start handicap life on a fair mark. )%),
This track should suit
GOD GIVEN (nb), who steps up to this trip for the first time. She has won a couple of Group Threes and was mugged on the line in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock. She tends to race prominently and this track does suit front-runners. Precious
Ramotswe was behind the selection at Haydock but does boast success at this distance and is likely to finish closer, although Pilaster may pose the biggest threat. There is stamina in her pedigree and, though this is a big step up in grade, she did look a class act when scoring at Kempton. *%'' This is an open Richmond Stakes and most of the field can be given some sort of chance but LAND
FORCE (nap) looks the one to beat. His close third to Shang Shang Shang in the Norfolk Stakes reads well and he should again have the measure of Konchek and Charming Kid who were behind. The latter pair have since run well over today’s trip at Newmarket and are likely to be in the shake-up.
Marie’s Diamond has shown improvement of late, winning a Group Three after finishing runner-up in Group Two company. He has to be one for the short list. *%*, It’s difficult to separate most of these but the unexposed VERACIOUS (treble) could be the answer. She took the step up to this level in her stride when third to the brilliant Alpha Centauri in the Coronation Stakes. She is open to improvement and today’s longer trip should help. Oaks and Ribblesdale runner-up
Wild Illusion boasts solid form and the drop back in distance could be the answer.
Rhododendron was runner-up in the Oaks of 2017 and does have winning form at this level. She disappointed last time but her overall profile is that of a class filly. Urban Fox picked up a Group One when stepped up to this distance at the Curragh and is in the mix if repeating that effort.