Can Lionel get back on track after messy Irish Derby run?

Friday: 3.45 Ascot
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Noel Murless Stakes (Listed) | 1m6f | 3yo | SKY

Lionel looked like a legitimate Classic contender when he powered home to land the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood in May on soft going and that earned him a crack at the Irish Derby.

However, he never showed up at the Curragh and trailed home in eighth of eight, with 33 lengths separating himself and the winner Westover. He has been off the track for three months since.

In that period he has also switched stables. David Menuisier had overseen all of his previous runs, but now John and Thady Gosden take over and the pair have an impressive 26 per cent strike-rate with horses who have switched trainers since their last run, so Lionel will be ready.

John Gosden trained Lionel’s dam Gretchen and her half-siblings Duncan, Samuel and Deirdre, so he knows the family. They all stayed well, so Lionel should improve for this trip.

Secret State has a blue-blooded pedigree of his own. He is by Dubawi and his dam is demoted 1,000 Guineas winner, Jacqueline Quest. Secret State has more stamina, though.

He has been off for 44 days since finishing second in the Great Voltigeur at York, and trainer Charlie Appleby has given him a wind op. The trainer is 3-7 with runners first time after the surgery.

The final word goes to Giavellotto, who had a rough passage when third in the St Leger at Doncaster and might have finished closer but for that. However, he has done most of his racing in handicaps and the Leger didn’t look strong. It was rated the second worst running of the race in the last decade on Racing Post Ratings.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Lionel
He's been with us a while now and seems in good form. This step up in trip shouldn't be a problem to him but it's a competitive contest with some nice horses in there.

Michael Bell, trainer of Dillian
He hurt one of his fetlock joints the day before he was due to run in the Chester Vase, but he's over that now and he should relish the trip. He looks a picture and I don't think he'll lack ability but he might lack match practice.

Kevin Philippart de Foy, trainer of El Habeeb
He ran a very good race in the St Leger but it will be hard to reverse the form with Giavellotto. He's lightly raced this season so he's arriving there relatively fresh.

Marco Botti, trainer of Giavellotto
He's been in good shape since the St Leger. He won't mind some ease in the ground but we're hoping it doesn't go heavy. He stays well and the plan is to wrap him up and give him a break after this.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Secret State
He has enjoyed a nice break since the Great Voltigeur, when he ran a solid race. His preparation has gone well and we are looking forward to stepping him up to this distance, which could hopefully see more improvement.

Tom Marquand, rider of Perfect Alibi
It's competitive but she's shown she has bags of stamina and a good cruising speed. She's going to have to improve to win but there's no reason why she can't put in a big performance.
Reporting by Lewis Porteous

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