Strip Down

STRIP DOWN 
Having been tested in the top league, Godolpin's Outstrip (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) enjoys a slight class drop today as he tackles the G2 Shadwell Joel S. at Newmarket. Just under three-lengths fourth to Kingman (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in the G1 Sussex S. at Glorious Goodwood when last seen July 30, last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and G2 Champagne S. winner had also been third behind Juddmonte's star miler in the June 17 G1 St James's Palace S. at Royal Ascot. “Outstrip is in great nick. We purposely gave him a break after the Sussex S. and felt that this would be a nice race for him,” conditioner Charlie Appleby commented. “He has underperformed on his two previous starts on the Rowley Mile, but the ground was too soft [when third] in the Dewhurst S. and he scoped badly after [finishing last in] the 2000 Guineas. I am hopeful of a decent performance, providing the ground is good, and it looks like the right starting point for him going into the latter part of the season.” 
Arguably the most intriguing contender is Normandie Stud Ltd's rapidly progressive Wannabe Yours (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was impressive when taking Goodwood's G3 Thoroughbred S. over this trip at the start of August, while the Classic generation is also represented by the June 7 G1 Epsom Derby fourth Arod (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). Surprisingly, Peter Chapple-Hyam has decided to revert to a mile with Qatar Racing's bay, who was a latest fifth in the G1 Juddmonte International at York Aug. 20. Jockey Jamie Spencer told PA Sport, “He's kind of on the comeback trail. The pace was very stop-start in the Juddmonte. He's a good horse, but he just needs to get it right. He shows a lot of ability at home and hopefully we'll see it.” 
Of the older brigade, the G3 Sovereign S. and G3 Superior Mile winner Captain Cat (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) and the G3 Desmond S. and G3 Strensall S. scorer Custom Cut (Ire) (Notnowcato {GB}) will prove tough nuts to crack.