Crack colts make Nottingham return

Nottingham racegoers can look forward to what should prove an informative renewal of the Victoria Antiques Conditions Stakes at Colwick Park tomorrow.

The extended mile contest features the return of high-class colts Librettist and Iceman, who have both endured lengthy absences from the track.

Librettist has not been seen since finishing a close fifth in the 2004 running of the Dewhurst, and as the first runner for the Godolphin operation since May 27, he will bid to secure a much-needed success for the team.

Iceman landed the 2004 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and spent the winter as one of the leading contenders for last year’s 2000 Guineas after finishing one place in front of Librettist at Newmarket.

He sustained an injury in the Classic, but seems to have made a full recovery.

John Marsh, spokesman for Iceman’s owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: “John Gosden is happy with him and we are using tomorrow as a starting block.

“He had an injury after the Guineas, like so many in the race. We know he’s a good horse so we’ve given him every opportunity to get over it. Thankfully now he is OK and he’s been pleasing John recently.”

Librettist and Iceman are opposed by Alan Swinbank’s Alfie Flits, who has gained a loyal following after a successful bumper campaign this winter.

The four-year-old son of Machiavellian made a highly promising Flat debut when scoring over 12 furlongs at Thirsk last month, but his handler stressed the decision to drop him in trip has been forced due to a lack of more suitable opportunities.

Swinbank reported: “He’s very, very well and I hope he can run a big race tomorrow, but I’ve had to run him in this mile race as there’s nowhere else to go.

“The handicapper won’t give me a mark for him, so I’ve got to run him at Nottingham tomorrow. Hopefully he’ll run well and get a mark.”

The field is completed by Kevin Ryan’s classy handicapper My Paris, Propinquity, Pawan, Diamond Heritage, and Indian Steppes, although the last named will only run if suitable ground, according to trainer Phil McEntee.