Runner-By-Runner Guide: Commonwealth Cup

1 - ABERAMA GOLD (2) Keith Dalgleish/Shane Gray

Useful form when winning 6f listed race at York in October. That very much a standout effort, and having been well held in a Group 3 on reappearance, he's right up against it.

As tough as they come!

Listed success for Aberama Gold who captures the Rockingham Stakes @yorkracecourse for @DalgleishRacing as hot favourite Lampang disappoints pic.twitter.com/CrhjHpr2M4

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 12, 2019

2 - DUBAI STATION (3) Karl Burke/Ben Curtis

Backed at long odds and that confidence wasn't misplaced as he landed the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes on reappearance/AW debut. Fortunate winner given how the runner-up shaped, and this asks a lot more.

No stopping @_benacurtis and @karl_burke as Dubai Station holds off the late rally of Malotru to win the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes at @NewcastleRaces... pic.twitter.com/hShReHOumt

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 4, 2020

3 - GOLDEN HORDE (10) Clive Cox/Adam Kirby

Shaped better than result in last year's Coventry and posted a smart effort when landing Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. Even better form when second in the Middle Park and he's one to consider.

4 - LOPE Y FERNANDEZ (1) Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore

Understandably no match for Pinatubo in last year's Chesham/Vintage Stakes but did gain second win in Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh. Excellent third in Irish 2000 Guineas a week ago.

5 - MUMS TIPPLE (4) Richard Hannon/Sean Levey

Produced a huge performance to land valuable 6f sales race at York's Ebor meeting by 11 lengths. Bubble has rather burst both runs since, though likely to be ridden more prominently back at 6f.

📅 August 22 @yorkracecourse - raise a glass for Mum's Tipple

🍾 One of the most impressive performances of the year came from @rhannonracing's Mum's Tipple. He scorched to victory on the Knavesmire with a devastating performance under Ryan Moore#RacingTVHighlightsOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/1lvhxCbDeV

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 31, 2019

6 - PIERRE LAPIN (6) Roger Varian/Andrea Atzeni

Half-brother to top-class sprinter Harry Angel, who was second in this in 2017. Maintained unbeaten record with a bit to spare in Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes and he's sure to make a better 3-y-o.

Pierre Lapin puts in a solid performance under @Atzenijockey to come out on top in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes for @varianstable 🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/2p9mdROt2z

— Newbury Racecourse (@NewburyRacing) September 21, 2019

7 - PISTOLETTO (17) Aidan O'Brien/Daniel Tudhope

Came to hand early last year, winning first 2 starts over 5f. Signed off campaign with an excellent second in the Cornwallis Stakes (that race didn't work out) and fit from a run at Naas.

8 - ROYAL COMMANDO (13) Charles Hills/Kieran Shoemark

Built on debut promise when landing a 4-runner Doncaster maiden in July. Limitations rather exposed later in year.

9 - ROYAL CRUSADE (16) Charlie Appleby/William Buick

Looked an exciting prospect when landing odds in a 7f Newmarket maiden on debut in August. Didn't do a lot wrong when runner-up in Group races during the autumn and he retains potential.

10 - ROYAL LYTHAM (5) Aidan O'Brien/Pat Cosgrave

Looked an exciting prospect when landing odds in a 7f Newmarket maiden on debut in August. Didn't do a lot wrong when runner-up in Group races during the autumn and he retains potential.

11 - SOUTHERN HILLS (15) Aidan O'Brien/Silvestre De Sousa

Rare feat of breaking his maiden status at the Royal Meeting when landing the Windsor Castle in 2019. Off since but couldn't be in better hands.

12 - VENTURA REBEL (14) Richard Fahey/Tony Hamilton

Landed first 2 starts and improved further when runner-up behind A'Ali in the Norfolk Stakes at Ascot. Failed to land cramped odds in the Super Sprint and needed to see slightly more on reappearance.

A'ali shows an electrifying turn of foot to stretch clear and take the Norfolk Stakes 🚀

And it's a victory in the opening race on day three for @FrankieDettori 👏#RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/vCdPyLpr56

— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 20, 2019

13 - WOODED (12) Francis-Henri Graffard/James Doyle

Raced exclusively over 7f as a juvenile but looked a 6f natural when a decisive winner of the Prix Texanita at Chantilly on reappearance in May. That is just about the best form on offer.

14 - KIMARI (11) Wesley Ward/Frankie Dettori

Showed terrific speed when runner-up in the Queen Mary last year. Added fourth win from 6 starts in listed race at Oaklawn in April and she adds intrigue to the race.

15 - LES HOGUES (7) George Baker/Shane Kelly

Showed useful form in France last season for Jean-Claude Rouget, best efforts when winning listed race at La Teste and a close second in Group 3 at Maisons-Laffitte. Outclassed in the 1000 Guineas.

16 - MILLISLE (8) Mrs Jessica Harrington/Tom Marquand

Progressed well over sprint trips last year, ending the season in great style in the Cheveley Park, forging clear. Failed to meet expectations in the 1000 Guineas but turned out quickly back at 6f.

17 - SHADN (9) Andrew Balding/Oisin Murphy

Took her form to a new level when beating the colts in the Group 2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte. Never a factor pitched into the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.

Timeform Analyst's Verdict:

PIERRE LAPIN's half-brother Harry Angel finished runner-up in a hot renewal of this in 2017 and Roger Varian's exciting colt is taken to remain unbeaten given he seems sure to improve as a 3-y-o. Wooded's decisive win in the Prix Texanita at Chantilly last month is form worthy of serious respect, while Golden Horde brings a Group 1 placed effort to the table.

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