Black-Type Analysis: Mutasarref Aiming For Desmond Double
Updated: August 6, 2025 at 9:49 am
Thursday, Leopardstown, post time: 18:23, BAHRAIN TURF CLUB DESMOND STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, 8fT
Field: Chicago Critic (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Johan (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}), Lord Massusus (Ire) (Markaz {Ire}), Mutasarref (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Dance Night Andday (Ire) (Buratino {Ire}), Jancis (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}).
TDN Verdict: Course specialist Mutasarref should be a tough nut to crack, having won arguably a better renewal of this 12 months ago. Chicago Critic is capable when in the mood, as he proved when taking the course-and-distance Listed Amethyst Stakes in May. [Tom Frary].
Thursday, Leopardstown, post time: 18:53, TOTE BALLYROAN STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, 12fT
Field: Crystal Black (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Layfayette (Ire) (French Navy {GB}), Sons And Lovers (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), This Songisforyou (Temple City), Sea The Boss (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Siege Of Troy (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}).
TDN Verdict: Last year's winner Crystal Black bids to get back on track, having run only once in the interim when fourth in the G3 Alleged Stakes over an inadequate 10-furlong trip in April. Third that day was Sons And Lovers, who backed that up with a fourth in the G2 Mooresbridge Stakes and a fifth in Royal Ascot's Listed Wolferton Stakes. [Tom Frary].
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