To join Frankel assault on Guineas
weeks ago. He was impressive, coming home 3½ lengths clear, merely ridden out. He may still be green but appears to have an engine.
Zainhom was runner-up in last year’s Autumn Stakes, but when Jim Crowley won on Eminent, he did not immediately think Sheikh Hamdan had a 2,000 Guinover eas horse so, on that basis, it would be a surprise if he won. Being trained by Sir Michael Stoute, he should be respected, however, as should Richard Hannon’s Barney Roy who, like Dream Castle, could be anything. I was also taken by Make Time at Salisbury last year.
John Gosden, who looks like he has an Oaks filly after Shutter Speed’s win at Newbury yesterday, won the Nell Gwyn and can add the Fred Darling with Dabyah.
Dabyah was third in the Marcel-Boussac on her final juvenile start. Her main rival appears to be Frankel’s daughter Queen Kindly, who disappointed in the Cheveley Park but looked good in the Lowther.
Nicky Henderson rarely seems to target long-distance staying chases that are run further than the Hennessy but his Premier Bond has the right profile for the Coral Scottish National at Ayr, being an improving novice. Battle Of Shiloh was bought for the four-miler at Cheltenham and was unbeaten until falling at Chepstow. He has been freshened up for this.
The Government’s reforms of the Levy received approval from the European Commission yesterday. It was the last hurdle for the intended changes to the Levy system, which means offshore bookmakers will now have to contribute to British racing’s funding.
Tracey Crouch, the sports minister, is expected to sign it into law next week, closing the offshore loophole which, it is estimated, cost racing £30million a year.