Hannon gives Barney Roy strong vote of confidence

The first running of the Juddmonte International Stakes in 1972 provided something of a surprise when Derby winner Roberto inflicted on Brigadier Gerard the only defeat of his illustrious career.

However, in terms of shocks the race has provided none bigger than in 2015, when David Elsworth sent out the 50-1 shot Arabian Queen to beat the Derby and subsequent Arc winner Golden Horn.

Despite that recent reminder, I believe today’s race will be won by one of the joint-favourites, Barney Roy, who I prefer to both Churchill and Ulysses, two horses that have beaten him this season.

Barney Roy was unlucky when beaten by Churchill in the 2,000 Guineas and he lost the Eclipse to Ulysses on the nod, fighting back strongly in the closing stages.

“He’s in good form,” said trainer Richard Hannon yesterday. “We think he’s at the top of his game but he’s going to have to be – it’s a very good race. Any of them could win. It will be tactical because I don’t see an obvious pacemaker and someone will have to go on. Usually we come from off the pace, but we don’t have to.”

There are doubts about Churchill, who has to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot and has never tackled this distance and I feel that Aidan O’brien’s second string, Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher, is no forlorn hope. I have respect for Ulysses, who is back to his best trip after being trounced by Enable over a mile and a half.

Cracksman should have too many guns for his rivals (3.00) while it might pay to look beyond the obvious in the Acomb (2.25) in which local trainer Tim Easterby can triumph with Wells Farhh Go.