There's been talk of Opportunity for the Derby and there is plenty which points to him developing into a Group-race performer, with stamina clearly a strength judged on his Haydock win. However, AMILOC (nap) achieved better form in his latest 1m race (at this track) despite his pedigree and the manner of that win both suggesting that this sort of trip could suit him a good deal better. Those may be the top two options but Sir Dinadan building on his Sandown Classic Trial performance could pose a threat, while Tycoon is a promising dark horse for the Gosdens.[Richard Austen]
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Group 1 Eclipse entry over 1m2f; has plenty of stamina in his useful pedigree but unbeaten in his three races at 7f/1m; latest was a good conditions stakes at this track (1m, good) three weeks ago in which he had to work hard to reel in the leaders but ended up just over 3l clear; leading form claims and he's a mouth-watering prospect for this sort of distance.
Comfortable winner at Newcastle (1m, AW) in September and improved again when 7l third of five in Listed race at Pontefract (1m, soft) in October; should stay at least 1m2f and open to further progress, which is needed.
By Frankel out of dual 1m2f Group 1 winner Izzi Top; made a promising debut at Nottingham (1m, soft) in October and built on that substantially when always close up but delivered late to justify favouritism in a novice at Haydock (near 1m4f, good) four weeks ago; this Derby entry has plenty of potential and no shortage of stamina.
No match for the winner when a staying-on second in novice at Yarmouth (1m2f, good) in April but he won his starts either side, latest when staying on strongly to assert late on as 5-4 favourite in a novice at Southwell (1m4f, AW); well related and progressing but others might show a bit more dash than him in this company.
Half-brother to the stable's dual 1m6f Group 2 winner Sumo Sam; like him, he's shown he goes well on soft ground, in his case when easily making all in a Newmarket maiden (7f) before his front-running fourth of eight when tongue tied in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m); had wind surgery early last month; should stay well but may need a lot of rain.
Irish Derby entry; big improvement in his three-race 2yo career, on final start winning by 8l from the front when 5-6 in a novice at Pontefract (1m2f, soft); 12-1, best form when just over 3l fourth of five in Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown (1m2f, good) on reappearance, unable to stay with them from 2f out; may have needed that race and could still be major player.
Showed promise here on debut; asserted in grand style in a conditions stakes at Epsom (8.5f, heavy) in September and better form when fourth of seven in Group 3 at Newmarket (1m2f, good to soft) 13 days later; not certain to get this far but should still be open to improvement.
Made striking late headway in good company at Sandown (7f, good) last August and duly had no problems when making all at 4-9 in a maiden at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) last month on second outing; clear bottom of these on ratings but could still prove capable of a lot better.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
