His 2yo form was a good deal better and stronger than any of his opposition here, and had he not run in Dubai, he’d have been a 6/4 shot to win this. An extremely impressive winner of a Group 2 on the July course on only his 2nd start, he then ran very well when 4th in the Group 1 National Stakes in Ireland, as 2yo race only better by the Dewhurst last season, where in fact the 3 horses in front of him in Ireland were the first 3 home in the Dewhurst. Reports have suggested he was badly in need of the run in Dubai to get him ready for the domestic home season, so whilst on initial reflection it was a disappointing run, if it’s put him spot on for this and he retains the ability of last season, then he’ll be hard to beat today. Hood on for the first time to just settle him, he’ll hopefully put in a big performance.
He was our Ante Post advice for the 2’000 Guineas before running in Ireland last year, so he can hopefully put himself back in the reckoning for the first Classic of the season.