A promising, scopey sort from a famous middle-distance family; progressive form in maidens, without a win, prior to his huge run at 100-1 in the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, soft) nearly five weeks ago when he came from towards rear to finish about 7l fifth of 14; kept on well at the finish, as if this longer trip will suit; faces very different ground today (he's unraced on firmer than good) but he's a big player if that is not a problem.
Acts on good to firm, as he showed again when he finished strongest to be pipped in 1m6f Group 2 at Royal Ascot three weeks ago (Point Of Law a close fourth, Galiyan sixth); that was the second race in succession in which he's been beaten a nose, and his sole win from eight races came at odds-on (from newcomer Point Of Law) in a novice, but his form is on an upward curve and he brings proven stamina; looks set for another big shout.
Kept finding for pressure in a maiden at Chester (1m4f, good) in May on second start and asserted in good style late on; that saw him sent off 2-1 favourite for the Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm) three weeks ago in which he raced at least three horses wide before keeping on to be 3l sixth of 11; could still be open to improvement but Del Maro and Point Of Law went past him from over 1f out last time.
Pitched into Group events twice as 2yo and it wasn't until his second start this term that he got off the mark (made all over 10.4f at Roscommon); 22-1, every chance through the final 2f when an excellent fourth of 16 on handicap debut at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) 19 days ago; longer trips than that now look well worth a go but he has the most to prove in this field, including with a bit to find on form.
Debut saw him give odds-on Del Maro something to think about in a Yarmouth novice; went one better at 4-7 himself in a Newbury maiden (again 1m2f on good) in May but it was the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm) which confirmed him as a serious prospect, as he was hampered on the first turn but finished almost as strongly as Del Maro to end up on heels of the leaders; still looked a work in progress and should be firmly in the mix.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
