Preparations For War

With Orderofthegarter (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Whitecliffsofdover (War Front) serving early notice of the standard of the current crop of Ballydoyle 3-year-old colts, it is up to War Decree (War Front) to uphold the stable honour in Thursday's G3 bet365 Craven S. at Newmarket. All appear at this stage to be some way below the peak prowess of Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), but Andrew Rosen's colourbearer looked cut from the kind of cloth expected of a Guineas contender when last seen taking the G2 Vintage S. at Goodwood in July. Interestingly, the only other Aidan O'Brien-trained winner of that Glorious Goodwood contest, Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), was left alone until his 3-year-old season and the same method has been applied to War Decree.

Fifth behind Churchill in the G1 Dewhurst S. here either side of wins in the G2 Champagne S. and G1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, The Starship Partnership's Rivet (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is brought back to Newmarket on a fact-finding mission by trainer William Haggas. Reported to have been unsuited by this track's undulations on his only below-par effort, he will give connections the definitive answer this time with a tilt at the 2000 Guineas on the cards if he comes through the test.

“Andrea [Atzeni] wasn't happy with the track when he ran in the Dewhurst, but they didn't go that fast and we held on to him over seven furlongs on quick ground so they weren't his ideal conditions,” Haggas said. “I think he should be fine on the track, personally, but if he gets stuffed then he won't be running in the 2000 Guineas. He should come on for it, but he's ready to go.”

Earning 'TDN Rising Star' status on debut over seven furlongs at Doncaster on Apr. 2, Godolphin's Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) has enhanced status after the third Jewel House (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) won a maiden here on Tuesday. “He has done well since the last race he won,” trainer Saeed bin Suroor commented. “He worked a few days ago on the watered gallop really nicely. He looks in good form, we just need to find out how good he is for the future. I thought he would win last time, but he won really well. We need to see something more from him in his next race. I think the track here will be fine for him. In the future, he will want a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half.”

Cheveley Park Stud's acquisition Larchmont Lad (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) bids to bring a ninth Craven back to the Hannon stables at East Everleigh and he received a boost on Wednesday when Whitecliffsofdover captured the European Free, as he had that rival back in second in the G3 Tattersalls S. over seven here in September. On that same card, Sir Peter Vela's Eminent (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) impressed with a maiden win over this trip and trainer Martyn Meade is hoping he can hold his own. “We are very excited to get him started and we'll find out what we have,” he said. “It's going to be tough, but at least we'll know where we stand. It's sink-or-swim time and we'll find out whether we have a champion or not. We've only got one run to go on and this will help us decide where to go.”