THE HARDWICKE

thErE iS a bigger field than is historically the norm for this event and last year’s winner Dartmouth will be a popular fancy in the market after making a winning comeback at York on easy ground.

his trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has proven time and again he is a master of extracting progression from slow-maturing middle-distance horses and this dual-track winner looks sure to go well again, especially as the course executive have put plenty of water on the track to ensure conditions don’t become too quick.

IDAHO wasn’t far behind Dartmouth when they met at Woodbine in the autumn and was given a considerate ride when making his seasonal bow behind stablemate and Coronation Cup winner highland reel at Epsom. Fast ground holds no concerns for the selection who was placed in both the English and irish Derby behind harzand last year, prior to displaying a turn of foot to win the Great Voltigeur at York.

Wings Of Desire, three lengths superior to Dartmouth in last year’s King George, is another to consider if he is sharp enough following a lengthy absence. it could be that connections are targeting next month’s feature as his primary objective, but he has major claims if strong in the market. SELECTION: Idaho DANGER: Dartmouth