3.10 Tattersalls Gold Cup

(Group 1) (4yo+) 1m 2f 110yds:

Auguste Rodin: Brilliant at his best but also prone to dropping a clanger. From his last eight starts, he has won five Group 1s, finished last twice and tailed off in 12th in the other appearance. One of Europe’s very best middle-distance horses when on song but needs to bounce back from a disappointing Dubai return. Ended up being too far off the pace on that occasion in a race that didn’t end up being run as strongly as expected.

Crypto Force: Beresford Stakes winner of 2022 missed 574 days after that and switched stable twice. Safely held in two runs this term and needs a career-best to land this.

Elegant Man: Has yet to run on turf, winning three of his four all-weather starts and his only defeat coming at the hands of four-time Group 1 winner Rebel’s Romance. Impressive when landing a valuable prize on All-Weather Finals Day at Newcastle when last seen, though this will be his first try at group company. Unexposed type needs to raise his game but is certainly open to improvement.

Hans Andersen: Finished behind Mashhoor in the Huxley Stakes at Chester 16 days ago. Would be a surprise winner on all known form.

Lord Massusus: Had never been tried at further than a mile until respectable but never-threatening second to White Birch in the Mooresbridge Stakes last time. No surprise to see him run well but needs plenty of improvement to land this.

Mashhoor: Saved his career-best for this course and distance when winning the Group 3 International Stakes last July. Hasn’t matched that level since while running reasonably well. More required.

White Birch: Third to Auguste Rodin in last year’s Derby on good to firm, but his three group-race wins have come on soft or heavy. Confidence high after recent wins in the Alleged and Mooresbridge. The more rain, the better his chance.

Lumiere Rock: Likeable filly who took her racing well last season, winning the Group 2 Blandford Stakes here in September and following that up with a fine third in the Prix de l’Opera and sixth at the Breeders’ Cup. May improve for first start in 204 days but holds place claims.