Stormy is forecast to thunder in

Taking on John gosden and Sir Michael Stoute in group company is often a fruitless exercise. However,

STORMY ANTARCTIC (newbury, nap, 3.35) can rain on their parade in today’s MansionBet Diomed Stakes.

king Of Comedy and Zaaki represent the two newmarket powerhouses and strong cases can be made for the pair, who excelled on occasion at a higher level last season.

But that could be a reason to take them on as connections will arguably have bigger fish to fry later in the campaign and Stormy antarctic could cause a mini surprise, especially if the forecast thundery showers materialise.

Soft ground may nullify king Of Comedy’s turn of foot, but it shouldn’t harm the selection, who boasts a brilliant record when the mud is flying. Ed Walker’s seven-yearold is also very potent fresh, as his record when rested for at least 75 days illustrates.

Those circumstances have presented themselves five times in Stormy antarctic’s long career, resulting in form figures of 12111, with the only defeat sustained by a short head when he was pipped on the line.

Those are compelling statistics and, with Walker’s team ticking along nicely courtesy of the likes of Derby fancy English king, his stable stalwart is worth supporting, while Tom Marquand riding is another positive.

Jessie Harrington has made an excellent start to the resumption in ireland and ALBIGNA (Curragh, 7.15) can strike in this evening’s 1,000 guineas.

Last seen suffering a tortuous passage in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, the Zoffany filly did incredibly well to finish fourth in the States and should be much happier returned to the Curragh.