The Europeans will be confident of landing this and MASTERY is taken to land it at the expense of Father Time and Nite Light. Despite being the apparent second string of the Godolphin stable, he managed to win the St Leger fair and square and we are confident that he will be able to confirm that form with Father Time. Todd Pletcher always has to be respected at this meeting and he is represented by Nite Light. Due to be partnered by John Velazquez, he struggled in the mud at Hawthorne in his prep race, though had made all previously to win at Turfway Park in a Grade Three.. Black Astor won the Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park though will not get an uncontested lead here. Man Of Iron was well held by stable companion, Mastercraftsman, when they met in the Diamond Stakes at Dundalk. Cloudy's Knight is a nine-year-old who heads here in peak form. He was exposed when tried in last season's Arlington Million but has served connections well with victories at Keeneland and Kentucky Downs en route to this engagement. Muhannak won this race last year but has had a disappointing campaign this season so cannot be relied upon to follow up. Mastery has to be the call.
Black Astor (USA) 7-1 (8-4) Vied,stalked,gave way, last of 10, 25l behind Spring House (8-8) at Del Mar(USA) 1m 3f hcp Grd 2 fm in Aug.
Muhannak (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) Soon towards rear, driven along 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong to finish on heels of placed horses, never any chance with winner, 5th of 12, 4l behind Mawatheeq (9-0) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) gf in Sep.
Nite Light (USA) 7-1 (8-3) 4wd bid, led, kept on, 2nd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Awesome Gem (8-4) at Hawthorne(USA) 1m 2f hcp Grd 2 in Oct.
Cloudy's Knight (USA) 4-1 (8-10) Carried out late, won at Keeneland(USA) 1m 4f Grp 3 fm in Oct beating Winchester (8-10) by hd, 15 ran.
Father Time 7-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, soon not clear run and hanging badly left, no extra well inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Mastery (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 7f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Sep.
Mastery 14-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, led narrowly inside final furlong, strongly pressed until in command close home, won at Doncaster 1m 7f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Sep beating Kite Wood (9-0) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Sir Dave (USA) 10-1 (8-12) Pulled early,wkened, 7th of 8, 12l behind Presious Passion (8-12) at Oak Tree At Santa Anita(USA) 1m 2f Grp 1 fm in Oct.
Eldaafer (USA) 9-1 (8-2) Never involved, 10th of 11, 21l behind Awesome Gem (8-4) at Hawthorne(USA) 1m 2f hcp Grd 2 in Oct.
Man Of Iron (USA) Evensfav (9-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, took closer order halfway, smooth headway early straight, led 1 1/2f out, ridden clear final furlong, easily, won at Dundalk 1m 3f stks pol in Oct beating Cochlear (9-5) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Gangbuster (USA) 7-2 (8-8) Mild 3 wide bid, tired, 4th of 8, 11l behind Nite Light (8-4) at Turfway Park(USA) 1m 4f Group 3 stks (3yo+) in Sep.
