'His form looks exceptionally strong' - course winner looks a big player with Ryan Moore booked for the first time

The average winner of this Group 3 in the last ten years has had to run to a Racing Post Rating of 117.5, and it pays a compliment to the strength of this race that half the field has already reached that level.

The obvious place to start is with Al Aasy, whose record at Newbury reads 1141213, which includes victory in this race in 2021 when recording an RPR of 122.

The eight-year-old notched a seventh Group 3 success at Sandown last month after six months off, but he’s not getting any younger and will likely struggle to concede 3lb to more unexposed rivals.

King’s Gambit and Sunway both achieved their highest RPRs last year in defeat. The former achieved a figure of 119 when going down by half a length to Alflaila in the Group 2 York Stakes, while the latter was awarded 118 for finishing three-quarters of a length behind Los Angeles in the Irish Derby.

King's Gambit (number 5) chased home Alflaila at York last yearCredit: John Grossick

That was one of seven defeats last year for Sunway, who was also third in the St Leger, and he made it eight losses in a row when unable to justify favouritism on his return over course and distance last month, finishing behind Tabletalk.

Sunway probably needed the run that day and should be up to winning at this level, but it's likely he needs a strong gallop at this trip to show his best.

King’s Gambit won the London Gold Cup on this card last year and showed good form on his first go at a mile and a half when losing by half a length to Los Angeles in the Great Voltigeur Stakes.

He has been gelded since finishing a respectable fourth in a strong Amir Trophy in February when last seen and should have more to offer.
Analysis by Harry Wilson

King's for a day

Ryan Moore has a first sit on King’s Gambit, who was last seen finishing fourth in the rearranged Amir Trophy in Qatar, form which was boosted last week when runner-up The Foxes won a Group 2 at Chester.

Wathnan Racing bought the son of Saxon Warrior at the end of last year to be part of their team for the Amir Sword Festival as well as Royal Ascot next month.

Ryan Moore: rides King's Gambit at Newbury on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images

Trainer Harry Charlton said: “King’s Gambit’s form in Qatar in February looks exceptionally strong and this will be his first run back. It will be nice to get him going again. 

"His real aim is to get to Royal Ascot where we’ll choose between the Hardwicke or the Wolferton. He’s wearing blinkers for the first time in a race, but he’s had them on at home over the last two or three weeks. He can be a bit lazy and they keep him more focused."

What they say 

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Shadwell Estates, owners of Al Aasy
He surprised us a bit by winning as he did over a mile and a quarter at Sandown and he’s been in good nick since. It’s a tougher race and he has a penalty, but he likes Newbury and we are hopeful

Charlie Appleby, trainer of El Cordobes
He has come forward since his win earlier in the month and looks ready to test himself at this level. This will hopefully guide us for the rest of the campaign and I have been very pleased with him at home.

Charlie Appleby: trainer of El CordobesCredit: Edward Whitaker

David Menuisier, trainer of Sunway
He seems to have come on for the race last time. He was travelling like a dream, hit the front and just got a bit tired. It took him a couple of runs to get properly fit last year and I anticipate he will run better this time.

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Abdullah Al Mansoori, owner of Tabletalk
He ran very well to be second there last time but there are a few rated higher than him in the race and he needs to step forward.
Reporting by David Milnes 

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