Garswood fancied to return to winning ways in Jersey Stakes

This race is usually won by a horse that falls just short of Guineas standard or does not truly stay a mile. Two horses that could fit that description are Garswood and Gale Force Ten.

Richard Fahey sent out Parbold to finish second in the Coventry Stakes yesterday in the same colours and is expecting a big run from Garswood. The trainer was not sure whether or not the colt would stay the mile in the 2000 Guineas but his win in the Free Handicap at Newmarket persuaded him to let him take his chance.

Although he was never close enough to be competitive, he eventually finished a respectable seventh and has been given time to recover from his exertions. This looks a much more suitable race for him and he looks a leading contender.

Gale Force Ten comes out top on official ratings after chasing home stable companion Magician in the Irish Guineas. That followed an equally fine effort when beaten under a length into fourth in the French equivalent and he sets the standard here.

There are plenty who believe that Richard Hannon’s Montiridge could prove to be a Group 1 colt and he took a step in the right direction when making all in a 4-runner listed race at Sandown. That made up for a disappointing display at Windsor and he is likely to be right up with the pace again here.

Mutin, Pearl Flute, The Brothers War and Complimentor all travel over from France. Mutin runs here in preference to the St James’s Palace Stakes so is clearly held in high regard. He is a fast starter in his races so the drop back from a mile should not inconvenience him and he looks the pick of the three French challengers.

Pearl Flute is an interesting contender having finished in the pack in the French Guineas at Longchamp before winning a decent race back at the same track. He had been employed as a pacemaker in the Guineas but is clearly a decent colt in his own right.

Ajraam is unbeaten after two starts but the form of the Wood Ditton has not exactly set the world alight this season and he rather scrambled home at Thirsk last time out. Tawhid was third in the German Guineas but may find this tougher.

Music Master will have plenty of supporters after a fine run behind Dundonnell at Newmarket. He had Baltic Knight and Well Acquainted just behind him that day and both have since gone on to win. Well Acquainted holds Here Comes When on the form of his Epsom success.