Royal Ascot 2016: Commonwealth Cup runner-by-runner

Commonwealth Cup

Buratino - Mark Johnston

Won Coventry Stakes here last season and second to Shalaa in Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket final start. Stamina stretched in 2000 Guineas but better effort when four lengths fourth of seven to Quiet Reflection in Sandy Lane Stakes last time.

Cheikeljack - Henri-Alex Pantall, France

Showed improved form when making most to win seven-runner Group 3 Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte last time by one and a quarter lengths from the demoted Ribchester, who franked the form when winning the Jersey on Wednesday. Drops back in trip here, which could be an issue.

Donjuan Triumphant - Richard Fahey

Won nursery at Ayr, listed race at York and Group 2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte in 2015 and creditable return when three and three-quarter lengths second of seven to Quiet Reflection in Sandy Lane Stakes last time. One of the first off the bridle there but stuck to the task well. 

Dream Dubai - Sylvester Kirk

Unraced as a juvenile but won maiden at Lingfield in April before excellent second of nine to Gifted Master in Pavilion Stakes at Ascot in April. Well below form when sent off favourite for listed race at Newbury last time but too early to write off just yet.

Kachy - Tom Dascombe

Emphatic handicap win at Chester on reappearance in May and creditable effort when two and three-quarter lengths sixth of 11 to Profitable in Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock last time. First try at 6f here, but didn't seem to stay 7f when last of six to Ibn Malik in the Free Handicap.

Log Out Island - Richard Hannon

Won minor event at Ascot and listed Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar in 2015, also placed in several pattern events. Much improved in first-time hood when winning listed race at Newbury last time, coming home unchallenged. Plenty of rivals for the lead here, however.

Money Maker - Fabrice Chappet, France

Won listed newcomers race at Deauville in 2015 and produced best effort when head second of 10 to Ross Castle in Prix Texanita last time. Form well below the standard needed here.

Washington DC - Aidan O'Brien, Ireland

Won Windsor Castle Stakes here 12 months ago but not seen to best effect when two and three-quarter lengths second of seven to Only Mine in Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas last time, left with too much to do. Has won two of four starts since a tongue-tie went on and respected.

Waterloo Bridge - Aidan O’Brien, Ireland

Won Norfolk Stakes at this meeting (by ½ length from Log Out Island) in 2015, but was below form when sixth to Only Mine in Lacken Stakes at Naas last time (stablemate Washington DC second). Needs to bounce back.

Illuminate - Richard Hannon

Won three times last season, including Group 3 Albany Stakes at this meeting and Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket. Finished season with second to Lumiere in Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket, before sixth in Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Well held in 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on reappearance but drop back to this trip will suit.

La Rioja - Henry Candy

Emphatic maiden winner at Newbury last July and subsequently won Group 3 Dick Poole Stakes at Salisbury in September. Shaped as if run was needed when well-held fifth of seven to Quiet Reflection in Sandy Lane Stakes on return and improvement expected here.

Quiet Reflection - Karl Burke

Won Group 3 Prix Sigy at Chantilly in April and improved again when completing the four-timer in Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock last time (Donjuan Triumphant best of these re-opposing rivals in second). Showed sharp turn of foot there and likely to get a strong pace here, so looks poised for another career-best. The one to beat.

CONCLUSION

Quiet Reflection is clear top on ratings after a visually impressive reappearance win at Haydock last time. The clock also backs up that career-best performance and she can lead home Donjuan Triumphant. Richard Fahey won the Jersey earlier in the week with Ribchester and should have the Group 2 winner, who chased home Quiet Reflection at Haydock, in peak form for this assignment.

Click here for the latest Commonwealth Cup 2016 betting