The form of The Lion In Winter's win in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes here last August reads extremely well and it's understandable why he's the ante-post favourite for the Derby. However, he's been absent since and Aidan O'Brien has stated that he'll improve for this comeback outing, so there is cause to look elsewhere. Charlie Appleby has won the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas this season and could have another star 3yo on his hands in ALPINE TRAIL, who made it 3-3 with a convincing Listed win at Newmarket recently. Acomb runner-up, Royal Lodge winner and 2,000 Guineas fifth Wimbledon Hawkeye has shaped as though this step up in trip will be a good move and he is second choice. There are several highly likeable prospects who could also be involved at bigger odds, with Nightwalker perhaps the most interesting now he's on a flat track.[Ben Hutton]
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Reportedly doesn't do much at home and isn't entered in the Derby but made debut in February and made it 3-3 (9.6f/1m2f, AW/good) in the Listed Newmarket Stakes 13 days ago; made all by 3l and this 550,000euros yearling could take today's rise in grade in his stride, for his all-conquering trainer who has won the first two English Classics of the season; player.
460,000gns yearling who won readily at 8-11 on debut in December (7f, AW); returned with close third of five in the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown (1m2f, good), where he was outpaced on the bend, and looks a type who will improve with experience; one of three for the Gosden yard; not ruled out.
Impressive 1m2f AW win on second 2yo run; soundly beaten favourite on return in Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom (1m2f, good) and, while he should be capable of better, with this more conventional track and the new cheekpieces possible positives, it's hard to be confident after last time.
Didn't race last year having had an injury, and not entered in the Derby; second to subsequent Esher Cup winner on debut at Kempton (1m, AW) last month and easily won three-runner maiden at 2-13 at Doncaster (1m2f, good) 12 days ago; takes huge leap in grade today but this 425,000gns yearling, whose dam won a Group 2, could have lots more to offer; not ruled out each-way.
Won Yarmouth maiden (7f, good to firm) last September for the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute; no threat in Group 3 and Listed races at Newmarket the next twice (1m/1m1f, good to soft), most recently on last month's stable and seasonal debut, but on each occasion he made late headway after appearing unsuited by the track, and today's flat course could prompt improvement.
Well-backed favourite when defying his inexperience to power clear on debut at Sandown (1m, good) last August; absent since, having reportedly "had an issue", and this is a vastly tougher test of his credentials, but he's an exciting prospect and it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.
Won on debut at Salisbury (7f, good) last July; some creditable efforts in defeat in Group/Listed races since, and denied clear run when Listed third at Newcastle (1m, AW) on reappearance; his yard won this in 2012 and 2023, and his dam won the C&D Group 1 Juddmonte International so the step up in trip could suit, but he may lack the star potential of some of these.
Won Lingfield maiden (1m2f, AW) last November on second start and showed an excellent attitude to follow up in Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom (1m2f, good) last month, prevailing by a head at 40-1; could continue to progress but likely needs another sizeable step forward to land this hot contest.
Made it 2-2 in Group 3 Acomb Stakes here (7f, good to firm) last August, scoring by nearly 2l from subsequent Royal Lodge winner Wimbledon Hawkeye, with recent 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court in third; pedigree suggests this trip will be right up his street; stable has won this four times but not since 2010, while trainer reports he "will come forward a lot for his run in the Dante", but he's a top-class prospect who has to be respected.
Won on debut at Thirsk (1m, good) last August and posted another convincing success in Listed race at Pontefract (1m, soft) in October to make it 2-2; takes on much classier opposition today but his grandam is Oaks winner Eswarah and the ceiling of his ability is yet to be identified.
Runner-up to The Lion In Winter in Group 3 Acomb here (7f, good to firm) last August then went one better in Group 2 Royal Lodge at Newmarket (1m, soft) in September; no match for top-notch milers in the Craven and 2,000 Guineas this spring but has still performed creditably and he's shaped as though this step up in trip will have a positive impact; contender.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
