Key questions: can easy Lincoln winner Addeybb make the grade in Group company?

bet365 Mile (Group 2) | 4yo+ | 1m | ITV4/RUK

Addeybb ran away with the Lincoln at Doncaster last month and in doing so proved himself that most precious of racing animals, a Group class horse running in a handicap.

As can often be the case the draw played a significant part at Doncaster but Addeybb was comfortably on top and had already showed himself to be extremely progressive when landing the Cambridgeshire consolation race at Newmarket on his last start of 2017.

When asked about future targets trainer William Haggas had no hesitation in nominating this race, in which it should be noted Addeybb is the only horse with no Pattern race experience.

"I enjoyed watching him in the Lincoln and he is ready to step up," said Haggas. "His work has been good, he looks great and I hope the rain comes for him. The more we have, the more it will suit him."

Can Walker's star transfer French form?

Two years ago Stormy Antarctic was being prepared for a tilt at the 2,000 Guineas following an impressive win in the Craven Stakes.

It has not all been plain sailing since then but Ed Walker’s flag bearer has flourished since undergoing a gelding operation last summer, posting two stakes race successes in France.

Most recently he showed real determination to repel the opposition when making all in the Group 3 Prix Edmond Blanc at Saint-Cloud, a commendable achievement as he raced all alone up the standside rail.

Walker said: "The more rain the better – which is probably also true of the others at the forefront of the market like Here Comes When and Addeybb – but he's versatile. He beat Here Comes When the only time they met."

Is rain required for Sussex Stakes hero?

The penalty structure of this race makes it an attractive starting point for Andrew Balding as Sussex Stakes winner Here Comes When escapes any excess weight for his Group 1 triumph last August.

Here Comes When's defeat of Europe’s champion older miler Ribchester was helped in no small part by torrential rain and Balding will be happy with a surface described officially as good, good to soft in places, but with the potential for sustained periods of rain during the course of Friday.

The eight-year-old still has relatively few miles on the clock and has a reasonable record on his seasonal debut, including when finishing second to Custom Cut in this race three years ago.

"He has always run well fresh and he has done plenty of work," said Balding. "I’m very happy with him and any further rain would be to his advantage. I think there’s a fair bit forecast."

Sovereign Debt: as good as ever at nine?

The bet365 Mile provided the middle leg of a memorable early-season hat-trick for Sovereign Debt last season, his first since moving to Ruth Carr.

The son of Dark Angel paid for those victories when struggling under penalties during the second half of the campaign but is able to race off level weights here.

"It was difficult for him with the penalty against the younger up-and-coming ones but that has run out now, which is good news," said Carr. "He's done plenty of work and seems in good form and is as fit as I can get him without a run."

James Sullivan returns to the Sandown winner's enclosure with Sovereign Debt and trainer Ruth Carr after landing the bet365 Mile in AprilCredit: Edward Whitaker

What they say

David Simcock, trainer of Mr Owen
I’d be fairly relaxed about the ground as long as we don’t get too much rain. He has been very consistent and is in a good place. But this looks a tough renewal and he has plenty to find at the weights.

Harry Dunlop, trainer of Robin Of Navan
He trod on a stone and we almost lost the benefit of the prep race at Chantilly so Newmarket was almost like his first run of the season. He is in good form, hence the quick turnaround.

Marco Botti, trainer of Aljazzi
Her best runs are always when she is fresh and we've been happy with her at home. She's won at Sandown as well but I hope the ground doesn't get really soft.

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