The favourite in the event is the Hugo Palmer trained Dubawi Legend that made a sensational debut at Doncaster in July and the next logical step is in to pattern company.
The two year old son of Dubawi brushed aside a decent field by five lengths in a Novice Stakes on quick ground, clocking some decent sectionals.
He will be sure to improve for that run, but he does have less experience than his market rivals and he will have to give a big career best to take it.
Exciting prospect.
Noble Truth is Godolphin's only chance in the race and this son of Kingman was an expensive purchase of €1.1million and is starting to show just why they paid so much for him.
Having finished a good third on debut over 7f at Newmarket behind Group Two winner Lusail, he then went back over the same course and distance to get off the mark.
He saw off market rival Ehraz that day albeit the Shadwell horse being on debut, but having that form edge could be crucial.
York is a different track to Newmarket and it is a slight worry whether he will handle this track.
Another interesting contender.
Ehraz looks to be one of the most interesting runners in the field with Hannon having a cracking record with his juveniles this term.
The son of Showcasing made an very eye-catching debut behind Noble Truth when making up plenty of ground in the final furlong to finish second.
He dropped down to six furlongs in a Maiden at get off the mark by close to five lengths and stepping back up to seven on Wednesday is a positive.
Although not being short of pace, he seemed to do his best work late on debut to suggest he is worth another go at this trip and he could be the value in the race.
Superb sectionals last time out.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/12/24 | JEB | 5 | Fs | 9-8 | 7 |
| 16/03/24 | JEB | 7 | Fs | 8-10 | 12 |
| 02/03/24 | MEY | 7 | Gd | 9-0 | 10 |
| 21/09/23 | CFD | 7 | St | 10-0 | 2 |
| 26/08/23 | YOR | 6 | GF | 9-12 | 3 |
The penultimate runner of the Group Three is the Andrew Balding trained Imperial Fighter who made an exceptional debut at Glorious Goodwood.
He was seen beating 10 decent runners on debut by close to three lengths, with some eye-catching runners in behind.
That run came on soft ground and he will be dealing with different conditions on Wednesday so it will be interesting to see how he gets on.
Trainer Andrew Balding in stand out form running at a 28% strike rate heading into the meeting.
The final runner is the most experienced in the field with Royal Patronage for Mark Johnston sure to make this a good test up front.
The son of Wootton Bassett made his debut at York over six furlongs on soft ground finishing a tame fifth of eight runners.
He improved massively to finish second next time out on good ground at Sandown and then finally got off the mark at Epsom at the end of last month over 7f.
The colt is improving but this looks a big step up and he may be vulnerable.
