'European Road To The Kentucky Derby' Conditions Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 19:10 | Winning time: 1m 39.44s

(2)

Hidden Force⁸⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| C

1/4

Frankel colt who made a winning start with something to spare in a 7f novice at this track in December, quickening clear having led 1f out. Should have no problem with the step up to 1m and connections have enjoyed plenty of success in this race in recent years. Leading claims.

Form: 1-

(3)

Tadej^p¹⁶⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Watson| OR: 105

16/1

Useful performer who landed a 6f French Group 3 at the beginning of August and quickly got back on track when sixth of 21 in a valuable sales race at Doncaster (22/1) the following month. May prove vulnerable to less-exposed types.

Form: 163106-

(1)

Utmost Good Faith^h¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: G Boughey| OR: 89| CD

14/1

Progressive gelding who has won his last 3 starts, maintaining his perfect start for current stable in 4-runner handicap at Wolverhampton earlier in the month, drawing clear early in straight having led before halfway. This is tougher but will go on improving.

Form: 771-11

(4)

Venetian Prince³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: P J McDonald| T: A M Balding| OR: 87| BF

5/1

St Mark's Basilica colt who built on debut promise to land 10-runner novice at Newbury (7f) last August. All the rage in the betting but threw away race on return at Southwell (1m) last month (hung left and rider dropped reins). Remains with potential.

Form: 61-2

Forecasts

Hidden Force (1/4), Venetian Prince (5/1), Utmost Good Faith (14/1), Tadej (16/1)

Charlie Appleby has farmed this race in recent years and HIDDEN FORCE can be the latest cab off the rank having made an impressive winning debut here in December. Venetian Prince can give him most to think despite throwing away a gilt-edged chance on return at Southwell last month.