PASSING THE BATON
CROSSED BATON (3:30) can book his place in the Derby by landing the Dante Stakes at York.
The Dansili colt has been a rapid improver for John Gosden and showed both class and guts to beat My Lord And Master in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.
The form of that race is working out nicely and the three-year-old can take another big step forward for his powerful connections.
The Newmarket handler can bag a big-race double with CORONET (2:55) in the Middleton.
The Dubawi filly made rapid headway last term, landing the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot in June before running with credit in Group 1 company.
The grey goes well fresh and she can claim this Group 2 prize en route to loftier targets later in the season. GRACIOUS JOHN (2:20) can shrug off a welter-burden in the Jack Berry Handicap.
Pat Evans’ gelding is a quality sprinter on his day who landed a Listed event on the all-weather at Lingfield off a mark of 110 in February.
Just as good when beating Orvar on Turf at Newbury last time, the five-year-old still looks fairly-treated and can follow up today.
William Haggas can enhance his superb Knavesmire record with ORIGINAL CHOICE (4:05) in the Hambleton. Sharply progressive at three, the gelding looked even better this season when edging out Hayadh in the Wetherby Hunt Cup.
I doubt we’ve seen the best of this scopey four-year-old who can claim another big pot despite a tricky draw in Stall 10.
FAYROUZ ROSE (2:40) can retain her unbeaten record for Richard Hughes at Salisbury.
The Epaulette filly bolted up on her first start for the Lambourn handler at Brighton last time and should progress into a quality handicapper.
ROYAL TARA (3:40) can reign for Venetia Williams on Totepool Ladies’ Day at Perth.
Useful in Ireland, the gelding produced his best effort yet for current connections when chasing home Leith Hill Lad at Exeter. MORNING WITH IVAN (4:15) can kick off a profitable spell for Borders handler Susan Corbett. The eight-year-old has been on a roll this spring.