Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered As The John Porter Stakes) (Group 3)

Unraced on good to firm except for a winning debut; failed to achieve the same success last year that he had as a 2yo but still made all in a Group 3 at Newmarket (1m5f) in July and good third in a German Group 1 (1m4f) in November on his only subsequent start; major player if returning on song.

Progressed well last term, placed in two Group 3s (1m2f/1m4f) on good to firm before grabbing a bumper prize in the USA on final outing; firmly in the mix on that and he could improve again.

1m2f Group 3 winner on heavy ground on first start last term, but the Derby didn't go well next time and he was unraced later as 3yo; back with a smooth AW win at Dundalk in February, before a lesser show back on testing ground three weeks ago; fair bit to find even on his best form and something to prove on good or firmer.

Won narrowly in the mud both starts as 2yo in 2023, here on first occasion; put in his place last term in Listed race at Epsom (1m2f, good) in April and Group 3 over C&D (heavy) in October, gelded in between; weak claims but he's had only four races and it's interesting to see him resuming at this level.

Runner-up in the Irish Derby, fourth in the King George and third in the St Leger once upped to 1m4f+ last term, before his tenth when facing a stiff task in the Arc at Longchamp; he's the one to beat if returning in top form, with his two best ratings having been recorded on good ground.