Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

All three wins were 1m Group 3s on the continent, latest August 2023; joined current yard for three runs at Meydan this January-March, running on well from the back when second in a 1m1f handicap and when third of seven in a steadily run Group 2 on first attempt at 1m4f; further investigation of this trip, however, saw a poor show when 40-1 for handicap at York last month.

Trained in 2023 by Andrew Balding and 2024 by Karl Burke; improved when winning a five-runner Listed race in good style at Newmarket (1m2f, good) in May last term; he didn't kick on from that (well held on fast ground at this meeting) but was sold for 520,000gns in October, has been gelded and this will be his handicap/stable debut over new trip (mixed pedigree for stamina); it will be interesting to gauge his strength in the market.

Seems to have found his niche on the Kempton AW, where he won the 1m3f Rosebery handicap in March and was third in a 1m2f Listed race in April; however, he ran well only once from six starts on turf last season and has a career-high mark today; cheekpieces (tried once in 2023) return.

Unraced on firmer than good; 4-10 in France for Andre Fabre before sold for 100,000gns in October and gelded; ran well at 33-1 when never-dangerous fourth of nine for a handicap at Chester (10.3f, good) on British debut, but this new trip needs to spark some improvement and it's a bit disconcerting that he was unraced beyond 10.5f in France; tongue tied first time.

Blinkers reinstated for last two starts, on first occasion making most to score by 6l in a six-runner race at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm); had this 10lb higher mark when fair fifth of 13 at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) two weeks ago, galloping on as if a return to this trip (he won a 1m4f novice last term) would be okay; needs to resume improvement, though.