Metropolitan in the mood

David Simcock is looking forward to saddling Metropolitan Man in the Weatherbys Bank Conditions Stakes at Hamilton on Thursday.

The Dr Fong colt has kept some lofty company this season, having finished sixth to Araafa at Royal Ascot last time and second to Killybegs in the Craven Stakes earlier in the year.

His Suffolk-based handler hopes he can gain the success those efforts deserve in Thursday’s £20,000 (€29,200) test and, while he is mindful that the race could become a tactical affair, he has been thrilled with his charge’s recent progress.

“It’s going to be an odd little race. It’ll be a small field I would think and there might not be much of a pace,” he explained.

“He came out of Ascot very well and he has trained very well since. He worked exceptionally the other day and I was absolutely delighted with him.

“I was delighted with him at Ascot. He ran probably right up to his peak form and I think that is as good as he is.”