Hopes are high for Saturn Dewhurst bid

Connections of Saturn are hopeful of a big run in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket tomorrow.

The Michael Bell-trained colt was supplemented at a cost of £15,000 (€23,800) for the Group One contest after making a strong impression in winning a conditions event at Newbury last month.

That race has a history of throwing up smart performers and the Marju colt’s win was boosted last week by the subsequent victory of runner-up Cat Ona High at Sandown.

Bred on the same lines as Fillies’ Mile heroine Soviet Song, Saturn faces his biggest test to date in the seven-furlong showpiece, where he has 16 rivals, including current Sagitta 2000 Guineas favourite, Trade Fair.

But Tim Jones, for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said today: “He’s in great form and seems to have improved again since his win at Newbury. We’re hopeful that he can justify the decision to supplement him for the race.”

Conditions on the Rowley Mile are drying out all the time but that is of no undue concern, according to Jones.

“I don’t think the ground is a major issue,” he said.

“Admittedly he has experience on faster ground and so I suppose we know he handles fast ground but whenever he has worked on ground with a bit of juice in it he has worked very nicely indeed.

“I don’t think that that is a major concern from Michael Bell’s point of view. He has a nice draw (eight) and it’s better than being drawn far out and on your own – at least he’s in the ruck as they say.”

Highclere have enjoyed a fruitful association with Johnny Murtagh in recent seasons and the Irishman will be on board tomorrow.

“Johnny rode him yesterday morning, nothing very serious but just to get a feel of the horse and I think he liked him very much,” Jones said.

“We’ve been so fortunate in our relationship with Johnny over the last few years – with Petrushka and he rode us the Gimcrack winner a few years ago.”