St Anton

Trained by Richard Hannon at Herridge in Wiltshire, St Anton is being aimed at better opportunities. The yard has sent out 118 winners already this season, so there is plenty of firepower on the premises. Hannon has spoken about the colt strengthening considerably through spring and suggested he could eventually handle a mile and a quarter — an unusual trait for his sire bloodline. The jockey reported after his last Newmarket victory that St Anton saw out the trip well and finished strong despite the undulations of the track, which hints at a horse with a turn of foot once he settles into a rhythm.

The concern is his record at the top end. At Class 4 level — the highest grade in which he has raced — St Anton has yet to break his duck. He has won 0 from 3 attempts, which suggests a ceiling at that standard, at least for now. His recent form has been mixed too. In his last six races he has won twice (the recent 1 at Newmarket standing out), but also posted a 14th-place finish and a couple of mid-field efforts. What St Anton needs is a return to fast ground and a race suited to his profile: forgiving conditions, a distance he can handle, and a field at Class 3 or lower where his turn of foot can carry him home. Last raced just a day ago, he is clearly an active runner in the yard's plans, and with dry conditions and the right opportunity, he could easily run up another win before the season ends.