Star Cluster will be out to prove that Henry Cecil still has what it takes in tomorrow’s Independent Newspaper EBF Valiant Stakes at Ascot.
After a couple of quiet year’s for the normally prolific master of Warren Place, the three-year-old could be the one to give Cecil a welcome push back towards the big time.
After winning on her racecourse bow from the likes of subsequent Group-race performers Deveron, Cross Channel, Mont Etoile and Time On, connections harboured Classic dreams.
However, the Khalid Abdullah-owned filly suffered a slight setback which delayed her campaign this season.
But her win in a Listed contest at Sandown last time suggested there was more to come.
“She came out of her win at Sandown in fine form but she has a penalty for that, which is obviously not ideal,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to the owner.
“However, she has come on fine and she’s been in good form. But it looks a competitive race. She’ll be taking on older horses for the first time as well, but we have to do that nowadays with the way the calendar is set up.
“All the three-year-olds are meeting older horses now though and this looks like the ideal race for her, so we can’t complain about that.
“She did have a high reputation after her debut win at two and she was always highly thought of at home,” continued Grimthorpe.
“She won a very hot Newmarket maiden which was very good form at the time but has subsequently proven not to be Group One form or anything, but has turned out to be very solid. A lot of winners came out of the race.
“She was then sidelined and didn’t run again at two but she came back nicely and she is a very talented filly.
“She didn’t stay 10 furlongs at Newbury and she was very game at Sandown - Mick Channon thinks an awful lot of the second (Silver Touch).”