Be Fabulous
Improved markedly when stepped up in trip by Andre Fabre last season, completing a hat-trick in the Group One Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp to take her record to four wins from just nine career starts. There should be more to come for her new connections but faces no easy task on debut for them under a penalty.
Arctic Cosmos
2010 St Leger hero who had a light campaign in 2010 (not disgraced in two starts over 12f) following surgery on a cannonbone injury. Impressed over ten furlongs and first time cheekpieces at Kempton against inferior rivals before seemingly getting stuck in the mud at Newbury behind Harris Tweed. Questions to answer after that run but the better ground should bring about a better display.
Blue Bajan
Grand servant to his yard over the years and came close to recording a notable success in this race 12 months ago when going down by half a length before gaining a deserved success in a Group Two at Sandown around a fortnight later. Entering the veteran stage of his career but should be primed to run a big race with a couple of solid efforts under his belt already this season.
Electrolyser
Useful front runner who has won twice at Listed level but has regularly come up short in Group races although he did make the frame in the Sagaro and the Goodwood Cup in 2010. Tailed off in this contest last year and weakened tamely at Kempton last time out so has a few questions to answer here.
Glen's Diamond
Progressive as a juvenile and at the start of his three year old campaign but is without a win in just over 12 months and five starts since taking the Dee Stakes. The ground may well have been against him back at Chester last time while the drop back in trip certainly was so it would be no surprise to see a better performance over a distance that he appeared to stay well enough at Meydan.
Harris Tweed
Gained a first Group race success when making the most of his optimum conditions to run his rivals ragged in the John Porter Stakes at Newbury. Effective on faster ground and could still be on an upward curve although this front-runner is unlikely to have his own way out in front on this occasion and he has finished well held on two previous runs at the track.
Red Cadeaux
Relatively experienced campaigner who took his form to a new level last season, developing into a genuine Pattern race performer, finishing second in the Melbourne Cup and third in the Group One Hong Kong Vase. Returned to these shores with a pleasing third at Kempton which should have put him spot on for this contest; arguably the one to beat.
Times Up
Half-brother to smart stayer Give Notice who progressed through the handicap ranks last season to win two Listed prizes (including over course and distance) as well as making the frame in two Group heats. The evidence of his last two campaigns suggests that he may need this reappearance run and he has a little to find on form but looks capable of bridging the gap this season, if not today.
Summary
An intriguing contest featuring some progressive stayers with Red Cadeaux the one to beat following his fine efforts around the globe during the winter.
Blue Bajan makes some each-way appeal at around the 8-1 mark as he looks to have been prepared with this race in mind whereas Times Up has been well held on his seasonal return for each of the last two years and may be better for this outing.
It would be no great surprise to see Arctic Cosmos bounce back but it may be worth taking a chance with Be Fabulous on her seasonal bow and debut for a new yard.
Unexposed as a stayer, she faces no easy task under a penalty but she has plenty of scope for improvement and connections will surely be keen to hit the ground running while her jockey will be eager for success having been overlooked for the ride on Mandaean in the Dante.
