Musawama looks a Derby Trial treat
Given this is only a conditions race, it is hardly surprising that in recent seasons it has not really acted as a serious pointer to the Derby itself.
Gosden has saddled two of the last four winners, though, with Arlington Million hero Debussy a notable victor a couple of years ago.
Musawama is some way short of being a realistic Classic candidate at this stage, but there has been much to like about his two victories since the turn of the year.
The Azamour colt showed up well over lesser distances as a juvenile before bolting up in a Lingfield maiden that has worked out well on his seasonal return.
He then had no trouble following up at Kempton recently, making most of the running and pulling clear without being asked too many questions.
He still looks green and far from the finished article, and there is no doubting he faces a far stiffer task this time.
But the fact Gosden brings him here is a tip in itself and it would be disappointing if he does not get involved in the finish.
The Investec City And Suburban Stakes could also go to the Gosden team, with the highly-regarded Taqleed making a belated return to the fray.
The four-year-old, twice a winner in 2010 before placing sixth in the Cambridgeshire, had been all the rage for the Lincoln at Doncaster last month, only to be pulled out on the day of the race due to unsuitable ground.
That may have been a blessing in disguise as a mile was always likely to be on the short side for him.
This 10-furlong test should be much more up his street.
The vibes pre-Doncaster were that Taqleed could well be a Pattern-race winner in waiting and if that is the case, he must go well here off mark of 95.
The William Haggas-trained Firebeam is unopposable in the Got Feeling Get To Ladbrokes Maiden Stakes at Southwell.
Given he was unraced as a juvenile and was gelded before his recent Doncaster debut, the son of Cadeaux Genereux has seemingly not been easy to train.
But there was much to like about that first start on Town Moor, as he stayed on strongly to chase home a Richard Hannon hotpot who had previous experience to call upon.
With normal improvement, Firebeam ought to go one place better on the Nottinghamshire all-weather.
Andrew Balding’s Guided Missile should be followed on her first start of the campaign at Kempton.
The filly is a full sister to smart former Balding inmate Dark Missile, whose four wins featured a victory in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Guided Missile was a big eyecatcher when fourth on debut at Newmarket and she confirmed that promise when winning at this track at the end of November.
An initial rating of 69 is certainly workable ahead of the Free Entry For Betdaq Members Handicap.
Hamza really impressed on his debut at Musselburgh and could well be capable of giving his rivals weight and a beating in the EBF Novice Stakes at Newcastle.
The youngster is a son of trainer Kevin Ryan’s Group One-winning sprinter Amadeus Wolf and connections will surely be thrilled if Hamza turns out to be half as talented.
The best bet on the card at Hereford looks to be the prolific Chrysander, who bids for a fifth win in six starts in the Level Peaks Associates Handicap Chase.
