Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises Handicap

Inexperience evident on his 2yo debut (6f, good) and he has since made all for easy AW wins at Southwell (6f) and Wolverhampton (7f); the form of neither of those wins looks especially strong but he was in a different class to his rivals; this will be a far stiffer test of his credentials.

Off the mark at the third attempt as a 2yo when seeing off 14 rivals at Glorious Goodwood (6f, good); improved for the step up to 7f when impressing in an 18-runner nursery at York's Ebor meeting (good to firm); only 5-1 for a Group 3 over C&D when last seen in October but he dropped away late on soft ground that may not have been ideal; could still have more to offer back on a sounder surface.

Ready winner of a 7f novice at Southwell on his second start; came up short in two Group 3 events afterwards (tried in a hood on second occasion); he has since undergone wind and gelding operations; hard pressed to describe him as well handicapped on what we have seen but the surgeries could unlock more.

Had a nose to spare when making a winning debut last October (7f, AW) and won by a head back at Kempton three weeks later; it's hard to knock his attitude and this unbeaten colt commands plenty of respect on his seasonal, handicap and turf debut.

Fairly useful form as a 2yo, including winning debut, but took his form to a new level with a runaway success at Southwell (7f, AW) on return 12 days ago; this is a stronger race but he is 6lb well in under the penalty and the money that came for him at Southwell strongly suggested he was thought to be smart; stall 1 is a potential query but lots to like otherwise.