PREVIEW: Park Stakes (Group 2)

Park Stakes (Group 2) - Es Que Love: Excellent winner at Goodwood over 7f, but the way race was run did suit him to bits, as it was a pure sprint finish. Consistent Group performer in general,and in with chance if they don't go a mad gallop. But pace seems to be on here and that is big negative over this trip for EQL so does the 4lb penalty.

Aljamaaheer: Group winner over 1m and runner-up in Queen Anne last year, reverted to sprinting this season and finished strong third in Diamond Jubilee. Disappointing in JulyCup. Blinkers of, CP on. If he settles, he should run his race over trip to suit. Pace might work in his favour, new headgear needs to help him though.

Ansgar: Progressed into Group performer this season over 7f. Winner of two Group 3's. Latest at Goodwood. Likes to be up with pace to use his stamina. Can step up in Grade and quick ground will suit. 

Gregorian: Only beaten by a tight margin in G2 Hungersford Stakes last month, excellent third in July Cup earlier. Loves trip and clear chance on form. Drying ground slight worry as he usually is best with bit give in the ground and quick home straight is against him.

Penitent: Front-runner, not so good this season since winning Group 3 in May. Needs plenty of juice in the ground usually and up against it here.

Professor: Third behind Ansgar at Goodwood last month, but fair and square beaten that day and there isn't much indicating at the moment that he is good enough to land this.

Cable Bay: Developed into consistent Group performer as a juvenile, seen only once this year when well beaten last month. Should improve with that run under the belt but hard to fancy here.

That Is The Spirit: Listed race winner over 7f this year, two decent efforts since then. Can't see him good enough here, despite WFO allowance. 

Verdict: The step up in trip does potentially suit Aljamaaheer. If he can find back to his best, he hasobvious claims. Gregorian is in with a big shout on form too. I do wonder if the ground turned against him though. Value of the race islate improving Ansgar though. Winner of two Group 3 races over 7f this year, the ground will be in his favour and he has a big chance to follow up on his recent Goodwood success.

Ansgar @ 7/1 Coral - 2pts win