BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3)

Front-running 6yo who has pulled out more time and time again, with 11 wins now to his credit, including in this race in 2023 (good) and 2024 (soft); his three wins this season were all 1m6f but he stepped back to 1m4f on soft to excellent effect last autumn; outclassed in a top Group 2 and a Group 1 on last two outings, forgivable; has a 3lb penalty, which he did not carry in the last two runnings of this, but highly respected.

9yo who's won a hatful of Group 3s at 1m4f-1m6f in his long and distinguished career, including this race in 2022; also won 1m4f Listed races on last three outings, including in a good scrap involving Military Academy at Goodwood in June and when that rival disappointed at Chester three weeks ago; all of his turf starts in the last six years have been on softer than good; back up to Group 3 but with leading form claims again and a tremendous attitude.

3-4 last term, notably with 1m4f Listed win on AW; cheekpieces have gone on this season, with two solid seconds; excuses are available for the modest shows on his other three starts this term, having first run at idiosyncratic Chester when lacklustre behind Hamish last time; went down by a neck to same rival when level weights at Goodwood (1m4f, soft) in June, showing easily his best turf form, but overall record has to prompt some disquiet.

40-1 fifth of ten in the Irish Derby (1m4f, good) in June, front rank long way; it's a concern that his rating that day is well in advance of his others, and also that he was beaten so far in the storm at Glorious Goodwood on latest outing, but he needs a second look with tongue tied first time.

Won a novice and three C&D handicaps on varied ground on his last four starts; latest was a big prize on soft, which he took when the first two drew clear; this race demands a hefty dose of further improvement and Hamish looks the stable first string, but this is a highly progressive 3yo.