Maximal and Derab looking for success in Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket
Juddmonte have high hopes for Maximal and Derab in Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket's July Festival on Thursday.
An intriguing field of six runners has been declared for Thursday's Listed contest, with the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Maximal setting the standard on ratings after finishing a creditable fourth in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
John and Thady Gosden's Derab, who is a half-brother to the brilliant mare Enable, was last seen finishing eighth in the French Derby at Chantilly - a race won by Saturday's Coral-Eclipse hero St Mark's Basilica.
Baaeed, a full-brother to high-class middle-distance performer Hukum, has made a big impression in winning his first two starts - on his racecourse debut at Leicester before dominating his rivals over this course and distance.
Charlie Appleby lowers the sights of One Ruler - who has finished sixth in the 2000 Guineas, sixth in the Derby and seventh in the Hampton Court Stakes so far this term.
Roger Varian's Legion Of Honour and Mark Johnston's Naamoos are the other hopefuls.
Bahrain Trophy
Johnston saddles both Dancing King and Gear Up, while the Gosdens are represented by Queen's Vase third Stowell.
Yibir is a leading contender for Appleby, having been gelded since chasing home subsequent Irish Derby runner-up Lone Eagle in the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood in May.
Brian Meehan's dual winner Mandoob and Pleasant Man, from Roger Charlton's yard, also feature.