2.20 TATTERSALLS GOLD CUP (GROUP 1) 1M 2F 110YDS

Deauville: Progressed into a high class three-year-old last term when winning at Grade 1 level in America in addition to reaching the frame in the Arlington Million. Looks just as good this year and struck at Group 3 level last time. This is his stiffest assignment of the season but he has very little to find and expect him to be closely involved.

Decorated Knight: Showed himself to be a quality performer last season with Listed and Group 3 wins and improved again earlier this year to win at Group 1 level in Dubai. That form still leaves him with some work to do at this level but he should be capable of giving a good account of himself.

Johannes Vermeer: High class sort as a juvenile when he won at Group 1 and Group 3 level in addition to taking second in the Racing Post Trophy. However, he hasn’t matched that form in two starts since his juvenile days and a comeback fourth behind Minding leaves him with plenty to find.

Moonlight Magic: Talented sort who won the Derrinstown Derby Trial last season in addition to reaching the frame at Group 2 level and running with credit in the Irish Champion Stakes. A comeback second to Minding at Naas was encouraging but still leaves him short of the required standard.

Reckless Gold: Looked a nice type when winning his maiden at the Curragh last June but struggled at listed level on his only outing since then and this represents a daunting starting point for his season.

Success Days: Formidable soft ground performer at his best and has several Group 3 wins to his name as well as a fine third in this race last year. He looked as good as ever when just touched off on his comeback at Naas last month but the ground looks as though it will be a long way from ideal for him.

Gentil J: Progressed nicely on soft ground late last season when winning two handicaps and shaped with plenty of encouragement in a Gowran handicap during the week. However that form leaves her a very long way below the required standard.

Somehow: Won at Group 3 level last season but has already bettered that form this term, dominating a fillies Group 2 at Newmarket before running respectably in last weekend’s Lockinge Stakes. On form and ratings she doesn’t have all that much to find and this longer trip should suit so, provided her busy recent schedule doesn’t take its toll, she must have a major chance.

VERDICT

In the absence of Minding, this could fall to another Ballydoyle inmate in Somehow. She has made a bright start to the season and will appreciate moving back in trip having tried her hand over a mile in last weekend’s Lockinge Stakes.