David Ord has a horse-by-horse guide to Saturday's Darley Dewhurst Stakes and, while it may not be straightforward, sides with the favourite Too Darn Hot.
ADVERTISE: Only beaten once in four-race career to date, and that was a fine second to Calyx in the Coventry at Royal Ascot. Going from strength to strength and claimed notable wins in the July and Phoenix Stakes on last two starts. More needed again here but the step up to seven furlongs could unlock further improvement and not one to discount lightly.
ANTHONY VAN DYCK: Beaten by Quorto in the National Stakes last time but took his form to a new level in the process. Indeed on ratings there's precious little between him and Too Darn Hot and he's not finished progressing yet. However, looked vulnerable to a rival with a turn of foot at this trip last time.
CHRISTMAS: Forced the pace when third in the National Stakes and likely to again be asked to set the early fractions for Anthony Van Dyck again, for all he's a likeable and capable colt.
KUWAIT CURRENCY: Won his last two, including a Listed race at Salisbury, and going the right way but needs to take a huge leap forward here to trouble those at the head of the market.
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MOHAWK: Clear-cut winner of the Royal Lodge last time but gave the impression there that his big days will be at a mile plus, and he may be a gear or two short of the best of these.
SANGARIUS: Made a big impression in winning his two starts to date, still showing signs of inexperience when landing a Listed race at Doncaster last time. There's a potential top-notch colt in the making here but he needs to be more polished this time in what represents the stiffest test of his fledgling career.
TOO DARN HOT Has looked the real deal in three starts to date, overcoming a strange tactical scenario to win the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster with real authority last time. This is tougher but the way he travels through his races and quickens on demand marks him out as a Group One colt and he can prove that on the big stage.
Verdict
A fascinating renewal of the Darley Dewhurst. Advertise and Anthony Van Dyck aren't far behind the favourite on ratings, Sangarius has abundant potential but TOO DARN HOT is taken to underline his star status. He's looked a colt out of the top drawer on his last two starts and, with an even pace to aim at, can produce a performance to justify the hype.
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