Take aim at layers with Star Archer

This son of stamina influence Champs Elysees has always been held in high regard by Hugo Palmer and it was a surprise when he was turned over as favourite on his first two outings. However, he probably found the quick ground and 7f a sharp enough test on his debut at York and then ran into Salouen when upped to a 1m½f at Windsor next time.

That is obviously red-hot form as that rival was second in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Chantilly on Sunday and Star Archer confirmed himself a smart prospect when justifying heavy support in some style over a mile at Haydock last time. He travelled smoothly and pulled clear to win easily by six lengths and looked top-class himself.

Today's good ground and extra couple of furlongs are definitely in his favour and the Palmer team are in scintillating form. He should have learned plenty from his first three outings and can be expected to make the step up to Listed class.