Homeserve Dee Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 14:42 | Winning time: 2m 12.25s

(2)

Cresta^h1²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: M Meade| OR: 104

11/2

Debut winner last summer and better form in defeat at pattern level since, proving far too free in the Feilden Stakes (9f) on his return 3 weeks ago. Hood goes on and could have a bigger performance in him.

Form: 142-5

(4)

Dubai Poet²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 104

13/2

Won 7f Newbury contest in September and good third behind the 2000 Guineas winner in the Autumn Stakes next time. Fair return at Newcastle and could have more to offer this longer trip for last year's successful connections.

Form: 4135-2

(3)

Harrow³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 100| BF

7/1

Did well at 2 yrs, getting a hat-trick up in Doncaster sales race in September. Back to form when second at Chelmsford (1m) 5 weeks ago but looking a bit exposed as he steps up in trip here.

Form: 1113-22

(5)

Mr Mccann^t1²²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: H Palmer| OR: 102

7/2

Booked a place in the Derby field with victory in extended 1m Epsom contest in September, his third win of a productive juvenile campaign. Bred to stay longer trip on return and not dismissed in first-time tongue tie, with James Doyle an eye-catching booking.

Form: 114561-

(6)

Sonny Liston²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Marco Ghiani| T: C Hills| OR: 98

12/1

From a good family and easily made a winning debut at Sandown last summer. Fair return in the Feilden Stakes (closely matched with Cresta) 10 months on, taking a strong hold and looking better for the run. Capable of better upped further in distance.

Form: 1-4

(1)

Star Of India²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien

6/4

Typically well-bred Galileo colt who impressed when winning 7f Leopardstown maiden on debut. Looked in need of the run on his return in the Craven, not beaten far and improving in the process. That form has been well advertised and he's likely to progress further upped in trip. Leading claims.

Form: 1-5

Forecasts

Star Of India (6/4), Mr Mccann (7/2), Cresta (11/2), Dubai Poet (13/2), Harrow (7/1), Sonny Liston (12/1)

Aidan O'Brien has a tremendous record in this Derby trial and STAR OF INDIA looks well placed to give Ballydoyle another victory. He improved in the Craven for all he finished held behind Native Trail and looks sure to progress further over this longer trip. Dubai Poet, representing last year's winning connections, could be the danger after an encouraging return at Newcastle. Local challenger Mr McCann could go well under man-of-the-moment James Doyle.