Ruth Carr’s Sovereign Debt ready to go in Saturday’s Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom
Sovereign Debt was a never-nearer fourth in last year's race after a luckless run and Carr hopes her grey, who has been in great form, can make amends for it this year
RUTH CARR feels Sovereign Debt can make up for his troubled run in the race last year when lining up in the Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Saturday.
He was last seen putting in a career-best performance to land the Group 2 bet365 Mile at Sandown five weeks ago.
"We just wanted to give him a little freshen-up because he had three quick runs. He seems in really good order," she said.
"He ran well in this race last year and was unlucky not to be closer. Hopefully, he gets the luck in running this time.
"The 5lb penalty makes it tough but he got it for winning a Group 2 and it was nice to tick that box. You just wonder about some of the younger, up-and-coming horses in the race.
"We will see how gets on in his next few runs with a penalty.
"I am leaning towards keeping him away from the superstar milers because he is an older horse and it would be nice to keep his confidence high.
"But it might be that we are forced to go down the Group 1 road at some point."
Richard Hannon has two live contenders in Oh This Is Us and Kool Kompany, who have both been in winning form this season.
"Oh This Is Us won well in the Listed race last time at Haydock and we never quite know how good he is," the Marlborough handler told www.richardhannonracing.co.uk.
"He just gets there and every time we step him up in grade and seems to find some more improvement. He is a great horse to have in the yard and I expect a bold run from him at Epsom.
"Kool Kompany won well at Doncaster and just did a bit too much last time at Sandown on ground that was softer than ideal. He has been working well and if he settles he should run a big race."
Charlie Appleby believes Folkswood has strong claims, having shown a consistent level of form this term.
"He's ultra-consistent and has carried his Dubai form through to Britain with two very respectable runs in the Earl of Sefton and the Huxley Stakes," said Godolphin's trainer.
"I think the track and trip will suit him, with him being ridden on the pace, and hopefully he goes there with a big chance."
Sir Michael Stoute's Ballet Concerto was a good winner of the Spring Mile at Doncaster but failed to reproduce that effort when fifth on his last start at Newmarket a month ago.
Andrew Balding warns Here Comes When will not line up unless there is some rain to ease the ground.
"He's in great form but he won't run unless they get rain and that's looking less likely now," said the Kingsclere handler.
"If we feel the ground is right he'll run and run well but he needs rain."
Custom Cut bids to make it third-time lucky in this race having been placed in the last two renewals.
The field is completed by the ever-busy Gabrial, who is having his seventh race of the year.