Key questions as Derby absentee Private Secretary heads Cocked Hat field

3.30 Goodwood
British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes (Listed) | 1m3f | 3yo | RTV

Were connections right to bypass the Derby with Private Secretary?

Trainer John Gosden knows what it takes to win the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes having sent out four winners in the last ten years, and in Private Secretary he has a good chance of adding to his impressive tally.

Following two runner-up efforts as a juvenile, the Denford Stud-owned son of Kingman has won both starts this season, including when an impressive two-and-a-quarter-length winner of a Sandown handicap on his last start.

The three-year-old had been in line for a trip to Epsom for the Investec Derby on June 1, but a change of plan was revealed by his trainer on Thursday morning with this race identified as preparation ahead of a Royal Ascot bid.

Gosden said: "After discussions with the owner it has been decided to take in this race with Private Secretary rather than the Derby as the owner sees him more of a King Edward VII Stakes horse for Royal Ascot. His brother Michelangelo won at Goodwood and we have been pleased with the way he's come out of Sandown."

Coronet wins the Ribblesdale Stakes in the colours of Denford StudCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Denford Stud has had success at the royal meeting in the past, most recently with Coronet in the Ribblesdale Stakes in 2017.

The Newmarket trainer is also set to be represented by Hamdan Al Maktoum's Alfaatik, who was last seen finishing fifth behind Derby hope Bangkok at Sandown.

Gosden said: "Alfaatik is a big horse who has yet to come to himself but has made solid progress this year. He'll be doing his best work at the end as we see him as a Queens Vase type."

Can Persian Moon finally make it at Listed level?

While Private Secretary enters the race following handicap success, Persian Moon has been plying his trade in black-type company since the latter stages of his juvenile campaign.

The three-time winner has twice finished third at Group 3 level, and is rated 5lb higher than any of his rivals.

The son of Makfi was last seen finishing third behind the Roger Varian-trained UAE Jewel at Newmarket.

What the others say

Ed Walker, trainer of Duckett's Grove
Chelmsford wasn't really his track and he will be much better on a galloping, turning course. He's a very big horse and will come on a lot for that run. He's a good prospect and we'll see where we are with him after this. It's a warm race and we are 9lb wrong at the weights so he will need to step up to win.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Kaloor
He hated the ground at Chester last time out. I think this race really suits him and the cheekpieces will also be an aid. I think he could run a big race.

David Simcock, trainer of Spanish Mission
He's training well and is a nice horse to deal with. It looks a competitive race but he will be far better suited by stepping up to a mile and three furlongs than the mile he faced last time and I'm looking forward to running him.

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