Attheraces.com’s Declan Rix took a closer look at the Chester vase runner on Sky Sports Racing Live and backed Godolphin’s athletic hopes.
1. Agenda (3) T: Aidan O’Brien J: Dylan Browne McMonagle
Thoroughbred son of Galileo, out of a different league of Royal Ascot winners. Last season she made a brilliant introduction in the back-end Curragh girls ahead of the start of 2024, winning at Dundalk 43 days ago. It still looked pristine that day and was a step up in class. It’s not easy, Ryan Moore rides groom Grosvenor Square. Mind you, this could be the game that crowns him.
2. Cadogan Square (5) T: Andrew Balding J: Oisin Murphy
Frankl’s cultured son was hardly short of words on paper. He made his debut and win at Southwell 41 days ago, beating recurring opponent Hidden Law with a short header when he went from 9/2 to 11/8, and that’s what some gathered on paper. It was a test of late speed and he probably didn’t learn a lot, but he had a great attitude under pressure and that form subsequently improved. There are clear opportunities and the form looks strong but the lack of experience is concerning.
3. Golden West (6) T: Karl Burke J: Clifford Lee
Unbeaten in two youth games at Newcastle and Epsom but a debut in France in 2024 appears to have failed to deliver. This is a tight race of the year and he shouldn’t be knocked out yet, but still needs to improve. An interesting connection involves the first cheek, which may indicate that he wasn’t paying attention last time.
Grosvenor Square to Chester
4. Grosvenor Square (1) T: Aidan O’Brien J: Ryan Moore
He hasn’t been seen in 200 days, but in three games of his junior season he’s been likeable, forthright and energetic. Looks to be very versatile on the ground and has good gate speed, so his prominent racing style should suit this track. There’s a lot of love for the son of Galileo, but he did show solid performance last year, so it remains to be seen whether he can perform well in his season debut.
5. Hidden Law (2) T: Charlie Appleby J: William Buick
A fine son of Dubawi, who found only Cadogan Place outstanding on his debut at Southwell and then at Newbury in his next game 18 days ago (Newbury) Running wild. There were still signs of greenness today, but he took a big step forward in terms of form and was well into the race before a strong finish to the line. That was another tactical race so hopefully more was learned, but what really stood out was that his final furlong was his fastest. This is not uncommon, but is usually a sign of a good horse.
6. PAPPANO (4) T: John & Thady Gosden J: Kieran Shoemark
He has already made two full-time starts in his lifetime, once in December 2023 and most recently 37 days ago with Wolves. Probably looks like Kempton’s best horse on debut before justifying last time’s favoritism. A well-bred son of Nathaniel who should continue to improve in the care of his top gear, but more needs to be done.
Declan’s verdict
The venue was small but it was a fascinating derby trial with Grosvenor Square in top form and a likeable individual. It will be interesting to see him on this faster surface, which could make him vulnerable in his season debut.this means Unspoken rules (9/4) Got it for the price, it looks like a different animal after impressing at the Newbury. There’s no doubt it’s asking for more, but both the visuals and the clock suggest he’s capable of winning at this level.
