Tuesday 2 May 2017 14:37, UK
Gimcrack winner Blue Point could give a pointer to the 2000 Guineas claims of Churchill when he runs in the Merriebelle Stable Pavilion Stakes at Ascot on Wednesday.
Charlie Appleby's Shamardal colt was last seen finishing a length and three-quarters behind Aidan O'Brien's Guineas favourite in the Dewhurst Stakes.
Blue Point was also placed in the Middle Park and is being trained with a sprinting campaign in mind.
"I am delighted with Blue Point, who wintered well in Dubai," said Appleby.
"He has done all I have asked of him to date and I have been pleased with his preparation.
"He showed a lot of natural speed as a two-year-old and this race is a good starting point before hopefully going on to the Commonwealth Cup."
Clive Cox has two very nice youngsters engaged but his only regret is that Harry Angel and Tis Marvellous have to take each on so early in the season.
Harry Angel won the Mill Reef last season on just his second start, while Tis Marvellous claimed the Prix Robert Papin in France.
"They've both got identical ratings, though Harry Angel is carrying a penalty," said Cox.
"I'm hoping they are both on the path towards the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but as there are such limited options before it they are having to run against each other already.
"It's a cracking renewal and totally warrants being upgraded from a Listed to a Group Three.
"I'm proud to have two good enough to be considered for it but it's just a shame they have to take each other on.
"As ever with sprinters, though, you just want to get them going."
Mokarris was second to Blue Point in the Gimcrack but was only sixth in the Middle Park for Simon Crisford.
Owner Hamdan Al Maktoum's racing manager Angus Gold said: "Simon has been very pleased with him this spring.
"Jim (Crowley) rode him work the other day and was pleased with him and this is a good place to start.
"We think he's a speed horse. We're not going to try and stretch him out to seven furlongs.
"It looks like speed is going to be his forte."
John Gosden brings Frankel colt Seven Heavens down in trip having failed in attempts to get him to settle over further.
Sir Dancelot will be aiming to put a lacklustre reappearance in the Free Handicap behind him, while Rosie Briar tests the water in Group company for the first time.
