A few pieces of collateral form here both in the UK over Course and Distance and at Newbury and some Irish form to consider too. It's hard to get away from the fact that there is a Draw bias and that really sets the scene.

 

IF reports are true and in the plum Stall (No 1), it's hard to see past SANTA BARBARA for the all conquering O'Brien yard. REports she is exceptional and thriving can't be ignored. It may be that 7/4 or better is value and on this occasion it would be folly to go against all the talk so a WIN BET is recommended.

 

The others all seem much of a muchness to be honest but it may well be wise to have some each way money on those drawn next to the favourite in Stalls 2 and 3. MOTHER EARTH is the most battle hardened and experienced horse in the race and if O'Brien spots a strong filly at 2 he will expose it knowing he has more scopey types coming through. This one clearly gets a mile, should be more than comfortable with the build up and not hard to visualise it leading the favourite for a long way in to the race and scooting clear of the rest.

 

If there is a British challenger who looks most likely to improve for the mile it's STATEMENT and it is ideally drawn in stall 3 to get a nice tow off the 2 O'Brien runners and can be a nice marquee horse for a smaller Yard who punch above their weight with a select number of quality horses.