Expert Eye in good shape for Dewhurst challenge

Sir Michael Stoute is hoping to end a three-decade wait for a second success in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes with Expert Eye – a throwback to the precocious juveniles the master trainer regularly had through his hands.

The son of Acclamation will seek to add to an already stellar autumn for his owner Khalid Abdullah in Saturday's Newmarket Group 1. He is the general 4-6 favourite following an impressive victory in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in August.

That success was no surprise to Stoute, who last won the Dewhurst with the smart Ajdal in 1986.

He said: "We knew he'd win at Goodwood as his prep before that was pretty smart, but not quite as easily as he did.

"After that we contemplated going to the National Stakes at the Curragh, but after a routine scope we discovered he had an infection, so we decided to concentrate on the Dewhurst. He's in good shape."

Expert Eye does most of his easy exercise on the mile-long Al Bahathri Polytrack, where he enjoyed a routine canter on Tuesday, just three days after his big-race jockey Andrea Atzeni had put him through his paces on the neighbouring Limekilns.

Stoute added: "We've had precocious two-year-olds in the past, such as Russian Rhythm and Ajdal, but we don't seem to get them nowadays, which gives us an imbalance we don't desire.

"This fellow is naturally precocious and has been professional from day one. Before he ran we knew he was pretty smart, and he's a good-looking, athletic horse. Mind you, he's better looking now he's won a Group race!"

After winning his maiden over 6½f at Newbury, Expert Eye trumped that when winning the Vintage at Goodwood – over the Dewhurst trip of 7f – in devastating fashion, and that form could not have worked out any better.

Third-placed Mildenberger has since won a Listed race, and the exploits of the fourth James Garfield (Group 2 Mill Reef) and fifth Seahenge (Group 2 Champagne Stakes) have solidified its worth.

Expert Eye (left) stretched clear of the field in the Vintage Stakes at Glorious GoodwoodCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Stoute continued: "He couldn't have done it any easier at Goodwood. You never know what was in the race at the time, but the form has worked out. That was some time ago, but he's in good shape and the Dewhurst fits his programme just fine."

Expert Eye has won both his races on good ground and could encounter similar conditions on the Rowley Mile on Saturday.

Clerk of the course Michael Prosser said on Tuesday: "We have good ground at the moment but could get some rain tomorrow afternoon, about 3mm, and after that it's due to be dry.

"I'd expect the meeting to open on good ground on Friday, with temperatures creeping up to 18C."

Expert Eye specials

Paddy Power: 2 win Dewhurst by 2.5 lengths or more, 5 win Dewhurst & 2,000 Guineas, 8 win Dewhurst, 2,000 Guineas & St James's Palace Stakes, 16 go unbeaten in 2018 (must run at least three times).

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