Forest Ranger fancied

● Gelding fresh for Sefton renewal on favourite ground

Forest Ranger can claim back-to-back renewals of the bet365 Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket.

The Richard Fahey-trained five-year-old has been a fine servant to his connections and enjoyed his best season to date last term after being gelded during the winter.

He proved when landing this Group Three prize a year ago that he goes well fresh, and a follow-up victory in the Huxley Stakes at Chester less than a month later confirmed he was better than ever.

A step up to the highest level in the Coral-eclipse at Sandown proved a bridge too far, and an ambitious trip to Korea failed to pay off, but he rounded off his campaign with another fine effort over this course and distance when only narrowly beaten by Euginio in the Darley Stakes.

Forest Ranger disappointed on his return to action in Dubai last month, but is fancied to bounce back on a track where he clearly excels and over what appears to be his optimum trip of nine furlongs.

Strong Power is expected to open his account at the second attempt in them on taz restaurant British EBF Novice Stakes.

The fact fledgling trainer George Scott gave this youngster his debut in the Brocklesby at Doncaster suggested he had been showing plenty at home, and he was prominent in the market.

He justified that faith with a fine effort to finish second to favourite Show Me Show Me, and that initial experience should stand him in good stead heading into his second outing.

If Strong Power improves even a smidgen, he should prove very hard to beat.