'Hopefully he can turn a corner' - will Elite Status bounce back and land another red-hot Hackwood Stakes?

Elite Status posted a career best to win last season's Hackwood Stakes and the drop back in class has reportedly been the plan since failing to fire in the Jubilee Stakes this year.

Last year's running had an above-average feel for a British Group 3 sprint with the likes of Kind Of Blue, Lake Forest and Regional filling the first four places. First-time cheekpieces are a potential source of improvement for Elite Status and a return to this venue has to be a positive (2-2 over course and distance). With an unsettled forecast, he must be high on any shortlist given his versatility with regards to conditions.

Regional is another taking a significant drop in class following his game effort in the King Charles III Stakes. It is hard to pinpoint why he did not bring his A-game when fourth last year but given his form figures in Group 1 races now read 51233, he ought to be making his presence felt down at Group 3 level if the rain stays away, particularly with an uncontested lead on the cards.

Nothing has gone right for Kind Of Blue since his Champions Sprint success. Completely blowing the start in France was just about excusable but his subsequent run in the Chipchase is a cause for concern, only beating one home. Some rain will not harm his chance and he will be bidding to give his trainer James Fanshawe a record fourth win in the race, but he is prominent in the betting for a horse with questions to answer.

Three-year-olds have won their fair share (4-10 since 2015) and Ain't Nobody is the sole representative for the age group. His Commonwealth Cup run is worth upgrading having met trouble in running and his close third to Big Mojo earlier this term got a form boost in last week's July Cup.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

What They Say

Karl Burke, trainer of Elite Status
It's a strong looking Group 3 race and we're putting cheekpieces on him as he's not been hitting the heights of last year in his two starts this season. He's worked well in them at home and hopefully he can turn a corner.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Khaadem
He had a little injury early in the spring, which held him back. I've been really happy with him in the last couple of weeks. I'm sure he'll come on for the race and maybe we'll look at Goodwood after this.

Richard Brown, advisor to Wathnan Racing, owners of Kind Of Blue
We took him to France, which was a write off, and then he disappointed on the all-weather at Newcastle and we're just hoping he can get back on track. Danny Muscutt has been riding him work and is happy with him and he has no Group 1 penalty to carry, which will be a help.

Ralph Beckett, trainer of King's Gamble
Six furlongs will be on the sharp side for him but hopefully this will set him up for the rest of the year.

Roger Varian, trainer of Russet Gold
He's running himself into form and he's a capable sprinter on his day. He's wearing blinkers for the first time which might help, and if they get some of the rain that's forecast that would also be a plus.

Richard Hughes, trainer of Fair Angellica
We don't know why she ran so badly at Newcastle, but hopefully she can bounce back and run a big race. The track will suit her.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Rage Of Bamby
It's a quick turnaround from York, but having run very badly and being tailed off at the beginning of the year, it was really nice to get her back on track last time, when she ran much better. I'm really pleased with her but the race looks almost hotter than the July Cup. We've just got her on track last time and we're hoping that she'll run much better this time.
Reporting by David Milnes

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3.12 Market Rasen: can Harry Cobden complete a Summer Plate hat-trick as he is snapped up for intriguing Irish fancy? 

3.30 Newbury: 'It's been a very lucky race for me and this is the best horse I've ever run in it' - which trainer is keen for more Super Sprint success? 

3.40 Curragh: the question Minnie Hauk has to answer in the Irish Oaks: we know she's good, can she be great? 

4.15 Curragh: Al Riffa the clear form pick as Joseph O'Brien bids for another Curragh Cup win 

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