YAZAMAAN (2.20) heads to Chester this afternoon to try and prove he's a serious Epsom Derby contender.
The Group 3 Dee Stakes is a recognized Classic trial and as such trainer John Gosden and jockey Richard Hills are on a fact-finding mission to see if their three-year-old is man enough for the job.
"He taken a bit of time to come to hand this year, but we need to find out if he's good enough to take part in the Derby," revealed Hills, who is owner Hamdan Al Maktoum's retained rider.
Unbeaten in two starts over one mile last season, Yazamaan shouldn't have any problem with today's longer distance, in fact it's quite likely the sterner test of stamina will help him overcome his six rivals.
Loyalties are divided in the Ormonde Stakes - not one but two ten-to-follow picks, Peppertree Lane and Anna Pavlova, line up for the Group 3 contest.
Both require a bit of cut in the ground to show their best, however Anna Pavlova (2.50) prevailed when the pair clashed once before at Haydock, so she gets the nod in what looks a very tight-knit affair.
Few tracks are better suited to the tried-and-tested adage of horses for courses, therefore the natural selection in the closing Manor House Stables Handicap has got to be Stretton (4.35).
Twelve months ago Stretton won the same event off only a 2lbs lower rating without the benefit of a prep race, a successful formula that trainer James Bethell has sensibly copied for this year's repeat run.
I can't remember a time when Mark Johnston's three-year-olds were in better heart, Nottingham-bound Dee Cee Elle (3.00), being a prime example.
The fast-improving filly has triumphed on three of her last four outings, most recently at Southwell where she powered clear inside the final furlong to collect by three lengths.
Dee Cee Elle has picked up a 6lbs penalty for that impressive victory, which more-than-likely won't be sufficient to anchor her in the Stora Enso Handicap.
Another North Yorkshire-trained individual on the rampage is Raccoon (4.45), from the David Chapman yard.
David's decision to have Raccoon tubed to assist with his breathing has revitalised the gelding, an explosive winner when scoring by a wide margin at Catterick's evening meeting on Tuesday.
Patience is required for the nap, Tsaroxy (8.50), who has dropped down the weights to the sort of mark which makes him a must-bet for the one-mile-one-furlong nightcap.
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