Virgin Bet/British EBF Conditions Stakes (Colts & Geldings)

Ran just once for Aidan O'Brien before changing hands for 16,000gns last October; proving money well spent by new connections, improving with each start and unextended to win a novice at Newcastle (7f) and a 1m handicap at Southwell on his last two starts; unlikely he has reached his peak just yet but he is in deeper today and he has to concede weight all round.

Enjoyed the run of the race but couldn't see off the challenge of a well-backed newcomer over C&D 24 days ago (pair clear), only to be awarded the race after the first past the post weighed in light; that rival's subsequent impressive Southwell win adds some substance to the form but this one will need a good jolt of progress in this company.

Fine pedigree and he made a perfect start to his career when scoring by 2.25l in a C&D novice 117 days ago (5-6f); clearly in need of the experience on that occasion but he will have learned plenty, having to be switched in the straight and then picking up well without his rider having to get too serious; he has more to do today but he looks a potential Pattern-race performer; strong claims for a yard which took this with the subsequent 2000 Guineas winner in 2024.

Made all the running (at a slow pace) in a 1m maiden at Lingfield five weeks ago, the front two pulling well clear of the third; sent off the odds-on favourite there so a big run was clearly expected; can do better but this will be a stiffer test.

Made a winning debut in a 7f novice at Chelmsford last August; came up short in two Group 3 events at Newmarket in the autumn, after which he was gelded; the Gosden stable has won three of the last seven runnings of the race but each of those was with a once-raced novice winner.