Al Azd
Al Azd is worth of another chance after his run in the London Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday. Lots went wrong for Roger Varian's horse. Slowly away, he seemed to be squeezed out of it a little bit after they had gone two furlongs. Last into the home straight, he was moved towards the outside at the two furlong marker, and he did make ground towards the leaders from that point, but he was never going to get there, trying to make ground into a quickening pace. He finished sixth in the end, closest at the finish.
They didn't go a great pace early on, the winner's finishing speed was over 108%of overall speed, and it was difficult for the hold-up horses to make ground. Al Azd was still last of the 10 runners passing the furlong marker. He did well to get as close as he got. Also, he was dropping back in trip here to 10 furlongs, all of which made it a greater test of speed than ideal. An impressive winner over 12 furlongs at Doncaster on his previous run, he will be of interest again when he steps back up in trip. This mark of 92 should be well within range. The King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot could be a good target for him now.
Newbury, 16th May 2026
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