How Adayar and Hurricane Lane could ruin each other's Arc prospects

This time the boot is firmly on the other foot. Four months ago Hurricane Lane was Godolphin's totem going into the Derby, with Adayar the viable back-up who was eventually given his head. Now Adayar spearheads Godolphin's Arc challenge, with Hurricane Lane only cleared to join him after pleasing in a weekend gallop.

In each case, the same forces appear to be at work. Back in June trainer Charlie Appleby suggested Adayar should be kept away from Epsom on the grounds that he looked more of a St Leger horse. The return message from Dubai was unambiguous – run him; there is only one Derby.

Equally, there is only one Arc, and who knows where Hurricane Lane might be this time next year? The philosophy behind Godolphin’s decision to run him on Sunday should be roundly applauded, yet in this particular instance it could be a twin-headed monster that turns on itself.