Harrovian to hand out Epsom lesson

Harrovian can prove himself the class act in the City And Suburban Handicap at Epsom.

John and Thady Gosden’s five-yearold has long been highly consistent in top handicap company and appears to have plenty in his favour as he returns for his third campaign.

The only two significant blips on Harrovian’s career record have both come at York, last of seven in unsuitably soft ground in October 2019 and when never managing to get into contention in last year’s John Smith’s Cup.

He has never been out of the money in nine other starts, winning three times.

This will be his first visit to Epsom and its unique contours, but he has run well on a variety of tracks - undulating or otherwise. He can be assured of his favoured ground conditions - and with Frankie Dettori back to assist, having won on him over very close to this trip at Doncaster last summer, he is sure to be in the thick of it again.

Valyrian Steel should thrive on a better surface in the Great Metropolitan Handicap after coming unstuck on soft ground in his final start of 2020.

Roger Varian’s runner had looked an animal of potential in winning his first two starts, getting off the mark at the first opportunity when racing resumed on June 1 at Newcastle before following up in a Beverley novice event in September.

He looked in need of that Westwood outing after 113 days on the sidelines as he made hard work of what appeared a relatively easy task, but the fact he was not impressive in victory ensured the handicapper could not go too mad.

A starting perch of 89 looked fair enough at York in October, but Valyrian Steel was found out on autumn ground over an extended 10 furlongs, having to settle for third as favourite.

Stepping up to 12 furlongs is a bit of a question mark as his dam was a sprinter, but Varian clearly thinks he is up to the task.