Spirit poised to land hat-trick in Surrey Stakes

The exciting That’s The Spirit can take the step up in class in his stride and land the hat-trick in the Investec Surrey Stakes at Epsom today (4.45).

The David O’Meara trained gelding made all to score in good style on debut at Doncaster before putting in s stunning performance to land a 7f handicap at York.

The son of invincible Spirit spreadeagled an 18-runner field in the latter to beat Shot In The Sun with tons more in hand than the winning margin of 1 1/2 lengths suggests.

It was a display which marked That’s The Spirit out as a potential Group race performer, and this looks a good stepping stone for three-year-old to go on to achieve glory in that grade.

With Coulsty pulled out of the race this morning, the only real danger on form to That’s The Spirit is Parbold.

The Richard fahey trained colt had some decent form as a juvenile, finishing runner-up to War Command in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and a solid third to Toormore in a similar grade contest at Goodwood.

The son of Dandy Man was also ran well when third to Astaire in the Group 2 Gymcrack Stakes at York , and caught the eye on his second start this season when an unlucky in-running fourth to Coulsty in a Listed contest at Newmarket.

Parbold was sent off the heavily-backed favourite for the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on the back of that effort, but put in a very lacklustre display to finish third to Aeolus.

To me he looked far from straightforward, travelling well at the head of affairs but finding nothing when push came to shove.

It’s therefore no surprise to see connections now fitting Parbold with the hood for the first time, and with Ryan Moore in the saddle he could well bounce back if the headgear has the desired effect.

However, That’s The Spirit boasts a profile which suggests he needs keeping firmly on side and is by far the most likely winner of the contest.