Hot on the trail of victory No 4

Frankie Dettori believes TOO

DARN HOT ( newmarket, 3.0) is ‘pretty special’ and his mount has the opportunity to prove it in today’s Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

Victory in this prestigious Group one will probably demand a careerbest performance from the son of Dubawi with the likes of Sangarius, anthony Van Dyck and advertise providing stiff competition, while Mohawk is a class act in his own right given the way he dismantled his rivals in the royal Lodge Stakes a fortnight ago.

too Darn Hot has showcased a vital attribute in each of his three wins this season. His ability to change gear signals he is a high-class horse rather than simply a very useful one.

the layers have not overlooked the horse’s abilities today, pricing him accordingly to ensure he is hardly the bet of the year at his morning odds. this is especially true given he has yet to show that newmarket’s undulations are a suitable test — particularly on ground quicker than he has previously encountered.

However, John Gosden’s classy colt looks a well-balanced type, capable of coping with the Dip, and he is taken to extend his unbeaten sequence to four.

the presence of classy St Legerthird SOUTHERN FRANCE (newmarket, 3.40) could be a sign of things to come for the Cesarewitch Stakes with next year’s vast prize money likely to attract a multitude of potential Group performers.

although trainer aidan o’Brien will have his eye on the card’s preceding two- year- old events, victory for Southern France would be a welcome reward for a series of fine efforts in Group races over the summer — with figures suggesting the son of Galileo has improved with each start.

Whether the hustle of a huge field handicap suits him is questionable, but he gets the nod ahead of Cliffs of Dover, who should run a good race for those seeking a big-price punt.