The Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes (Saturday 18 May) takes place over 12-furlongs at Newbury and is the new name for a race formerly known as the Aston Park Stakes. That race was established run in 1988 and its notable winners included Snurge, Persian Punch, and Telescope.
Al Rayyan Stakes Trends 2019
- The last 10 winners were aged between four and seven
- None of the last winners were drawn higher than stall-six
- 7 of the last 10 winners has enjoyed a prep run
- Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore have teamed up to win two of the last four renewals
- Nine of the last 10 winners were returned at odds no bigger than 11/2
Al Rayyann Stakes 2019 Main Challengers
Crystal Ocean
Won last year’s renewal under a 3lb penalty after winning a Group 3 at Sandown and is looking to repeat that win under identical circumstances. The only difference is he won this year’s race at Sandown by a more impressive margin and, as he’s rated at least 13lb superior than all his rivals, he’s going to be very hard to beat with both Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore in excellent form.
Laraaib
The second-highest rated horse in the field but, as he also carries a 3lb penalty, he’s 13lb worse off with Crystal Ocean than he would be in a handicap. He did run okay to be third over course and distance on his seasonal debut, but it will be disappointing if he can beat the favourite.
Raymond Tusk
Considered good enough to run in last year’s St Leger, in which he finished sixth, and he also ran creditably when second to Dee Ex Bee over two-miles on his seasonal reappearance. However, he has to carry a 5lb penalty and it’s hard to see him having the tactical pace to trouble the favourite when he’s rated 14lb inferior, yet must concede him 2lb.
Red Verdon
Globetrotting six-year-old who contested both the Caulfield Cup in Australia and the Hong Kong Vase last season. Best run in this country last season was when second to Crystal Ocean, but it’s hard to find a reason why he’ll turn that form around here after only finishing fifth on his seasonal debut.
Pivoine
Won a handicap of 98 last season but finished over eight-lengths behind Crystal Ocean last time. He could improve for his first try at this longer trip, but it would have to bring about massive improvement for him to beat the favourite.
Al Rayyan Stakes Summary 2019
It’s always worth trying to find an angle for taking on odds-on shots, but none of Crystal Ocean’s six potential rivals look to have a chance if the favourite runs to a level that’s anywhere near his best form.
Not only is he rated at least 13lb higher than all of them, but he’s also proven himself over course and distance when winning last year’s renewal. A repeat of that form should be good enough but, after winning more impressively at Sandown than he had the previous year, there’s a chance he could be an even better horse this year. That makes him look the banker of this weekend’s horse racing action.
Our Al Rayyan Stakes 2019 Horse Racing Betting Tip
- Al Rayyan Stakes Tip 2019: Crystal Ocean