Chaldean can get his season off to a perfect start in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes (15h40) at Newbury today.
Second favourite for next month’s 2000 Guineas, Andrew Balding’s charge won his last four starts of his juvenile campaign, culminating with victory in the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Frankel colt already has a win on soft ground to his credit and Frankie Dettori retains the ride in this Group 3 contest.
An official rating of 119, 9lbs higher than his closest rival, he is hard to oppose. The unbeaten Knight showed potential when winning the Gr3 Horris Hill over course and distance on just his second start. He is selected for the exacta.
In the opener at 14h30, St Leger winner Hurricane Lane should have conditions to suit as he tries to recapture winning form in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes.
Seven rivals contest the mile and a half Group 3, but the Godolphin runner should be too classy here if anywhere near peak fitness. The fact that connections are persevering with him as a five-year-old entire suggests they think there is more to come.
Mojo Star, runner-up to Hurricane Lane in the Leger, should follow him home again.
Up in Scotland at Ayr racecourse, 23 runners contest the Coral Scottish Grand National (16h35), run over 4 miles for a first prize of £112,540. Track conditions remain good to soft.
Jonjo O’Neill saddles the supported Monbeg Genius who holds a favourites chance judging by his last start at the Cheltenham Festival. The seven-year-old finished just over two-lengths behind Corach Rambler in the Ultima Handicap five weeks ago with the balance well beaten. He has gone up 5lbs in the handicap but should be involved in the finish.
A value bet could be Famous Bridge (22/1) who runs in the famous white, yellow, and green silks of the late Trevor Hemmings. Running of joint-bottom weight of 10 stone 2, he receives 17lbs from the favourite.
Famous Bridge is trained by the inform Nicky Richards and will be ridden by champion jockey Brian Hughes.
