War Command to state Guineas case in Dewhurst Stakes

War Command shot to the head of the 2000 Guineas market when he won the Coventry Stakes by six lengths at Royal Ascot. He has since slipped down the pecking order among Aidan O’Brien’s classic contenders but a victory tomorrow would put him firmly back in the picture.

It is very rare for the Coventry to be won as impressively as he did in June, striding clear of Parbold and Sir John Hawkins. The form has not been backed up as well as some of the other juvenile races at the meeting and a shock defeat at the Curragh saw War Command drift out to 12-1 for next season’s classic.

The son of War Front got back on the winning trail on his most recent start when comfortably accounting for Mustajeeb and Exogenesis in a Group 2 event over seven furlongs. His stable companion Friendship set the pace that day and may fulfil a similar role on Saturday.

The main danger to War Command looks to be Godolphin’s Outstrip who showed a useful turn of foot to win the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. The grey had previously looked unlucky to be collared on the line by Toormore at Goodwood and that horse has gone on to win again since.

Richard Hannon’s Anjaal finished with a flourish to win the July Stakes at Newmarket by a neck on his most recent start. The second and third, Figure Of Speech and Jallota, have run consistently since but the form does not look up to Group 1 standard.

Stormardal was beaten in a nursery last time and may struggle in this company whilst Cable Bay has more than three lengths to make up on Outstrip. The son of Invincible Spirit will not want any further rain to fall as he seems better on a faster surface.

The race is due off at 3.10 and will be screened live by Channel 4.