War can triumph in Norfolk Stakes battle

The Great War has won both starts in impressive fashion and can further enhance his classic credentials with victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot today (2.30).

The Aidan O’Brien trained colt is already the 14/1 favourite with Coral for next year’s 2,000 Guineas following effortless wins at Tipperary and the Curragh.

The imposing son of War Front looked the real deal in the latter, tracking the leaders before cruising into contention a furlong home and easing clear to beat Bwana hard on the bridle by three lengths.

The Great War didn’t have to be asked any sort of question, and the manner of the success suggested that he had the potential to go right to the very top.

This race looks a logical stepping stone on the way to greater things, and it will be hugely disappointing if The Great War does not prove far too classy for his rivals.

Baitha Alga and Mukhmal looks the pair most likely to chase home The Great War.

The former is trained by Richard Hannon and showed plenty of speed when winning the the Woodcote Stakes over 6f at Epsom last time out.

The drop back in trip to 5f should not cause any problems, and the son of Fast Company looks sure to give it his best shot in the hands of Frankie Dettori.

Mukhmal is unbeaten in two races, and put in a terrific effort last time out at Chester when showing blistering early speed to overcome a wide draw and beat Roudee by 1 1/4 lengths in the Lily Agnes Stakes.

It was a good effort by the Mark Johnstone trained colt to give the runner-up 5lb and a comprehensive beating, and Roudee was far from disgraced when finishing seventh of 24 to Hottenanny in the Windsor Castle Stakes earlier in the week.