There is always a touch of class about the Brigadier Gerard Stakes (G3), and the May 28 running is no different with a certified headliner in triple group 1 winner Ombudsman.
The Godolphin-owned 5-year-old was still climbing the ranks when he showed up in this group 3 contest last year, but his potential was evident and he was sent off favorite before being denied by recent Gold Cup (G1) winner Almaqam.
Ombudsman's credentials are now firmly established and he sets the standard off an official rating of 128 against five rivals, having triumphed in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1), the International Stakes (G1), and the Dubai Turf (G1T) since his defeat 12 months ago, although he does have a 7-pound penalty to carry.
"He's had a bit of a break since he came back from the Dubai Turf and has been doing well," said joint trainer Thady Gosden. "It's difficult training them through the winter months as well as traveling abroad, but he's had a freshen-up since and is in good order.
"After Sandown, we'll be looking to the Prince of Wales's Stakes again, which looks fantastic. It could be the race of the meeting."
Ombudsman may no longer be an up-and-comer, but there is another fresh face willing to take him on in Gethin, who was recently purchased by Wathnan Racing.
He makes his first foray into group company after a stop-start season for Owen Burrows last year, but the 4-year-old looked ready to step up in class when winning the Magnolia Stakes at Kempton Park with ease last month.
"He's one we had our eye on for a long time," said Wathnan's racing adviser Richard Brown. "I first spoke to Owen last year after he won at Newbury in April, and we were very taken with the way he won the Magnolia, so we're really looking forward to seeing him run, particularly because we've been following him for so long.
"It's a massive ask taking on Ombudsman, but we're hoping he'll keep improving. He's unexposed and Owen's been very patient with him. We're feeling our way a little bit with him, and we'll know more after this."
The field is completed by the Charlie Appleby-trained Godolphin duo Arabian Light and Bedouin Prince, stakes winner Almeric, and 2025 Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes (G3T) winner Wimbledon Hawkeye.
"He did very well in a busy campaign last year, particularly when winning in America, so we were keen to give him a nice break," trainer James Owen said of Wimbledon Hawkeye. "He's trained really well and looks to have strengthened up and grown a little bit. It's always been the plan to start here en route to the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot. It's a very tough race, but it's a nice starting point."
