Pinatubo's prize? How previous hot favourites have performed in the Dewhurst

Six of the seven favourites sent off even-money or shorter for the Dewhurst Stakes in the last ten years have won and on Saturday the brilliant Pinatubo will attempt to join the club. Here we look at some of the recent hot pots to attempt Group 1 glory at Newmarket.

Too Darn Hot (Evens)
2018 - won by two and three-quarter lengths

The John Gosden-trained colt had been flawless in three starts before the Dewhurst, including a length and three-quarter dismissal of subsequent Classic scorer Phoenix Of Spain at Doncaster.

Too Darn Hot (leading): bursts clear in the Dewhurst last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Lord Lloyd-Webber's juvenile was sent off an evens chance at Newmarket and, despite a slightly sticky moment coming out of the Dip, saw off Phoenix Stakes scorer Advertise and Futurity Stakes winner Anthony Van Dyck in a top-quality renewal of the race.

Expert Eye(4-7)
2017 - 9th, beaten ten and a half lengths

Khalid Abdullah's homebred put in a sensational performance when routing his rivals in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood and was duly expected to add a first Group 1 to his burgeoning CV.

Unfortunately, the Acclamation colt demonstrated that odds-on shots are no certainties in racing and, after taking a keen hold early on, finished last of nine behind subsequent July Cup hero US Navy Flag. There were excuses that day and a subsequent run in the 2,000 Guineas showed the Rowley Mile course was just not his cup of tea.

Churchill(8-11)
2016 - won by a length and a quarter

The Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Galileo had run out a ready winner of the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and, following equally taking efforts in the Tyros, Futurity and National Stakes, was sent off a warm price to crown himself champion juvenile.

Under Ryan Moore, Churchill showed plenty of grit and determination to defeat future Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Lancaster Bomber and subsequent triple Royal Ascot hero Blue Point in a fascinating renewal.

Churchill: dominated in the DewhurstCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Air Force Blue(4-6)
2015 - won by three and a quarter lengths

An imposing son of War Front, Air Force Blue dominated his juvenile contemporaries and, aside from a two-length defeat at Royal Ascot, looked untouchable in a golden summer leading up to the Dewhurst.

Sent off the 4-6 favourite following dominant wins in the Phoenix and National Stakes, the colt readily cantered past Massaat to make it four wins from five starts. The runner-up would finish second in the following season's 2,000 Guineas but Air Force Blue proved bitterly disappointing in four starts as a three-year-old.

War Command (10-11)
2013 - won by a length and a quarter

An explosive winner of the Coventry at Royal Ascot, War Command also won the Futurity Stakes before he turned up at Newmarket. He ultimately pulled out a workmanlike performance to deny Cable Bay in the 7f contest.

In a similar vein to Air Force Blue, the colt was a top-notch juvenile but could not build on this effort in his Classic campaign.

Dawn Approach(30-100)
2012 - won by two and three-quarter lengths

The Jim Bolger-trained colt had danced every dance as a two-year-old, including victory in the Coventry over future triple Group 1 hero Olympic Glory, and was duly expected to add the Dewhurst to his impressive CV.

Partnered by Kevin Manning, the New Approach juvenile eased two and three-quarter lengths clear to remain unbeaten and cement his status as European champion two-year-old.

Frankel(4-6)
2010 - won by two and a quarter lengths

Frankel: stormed home in the Dewhurst for trainer Sir Henry CecilCredit: Edward Whitaker

Last but by no means least, Frankel shot into the spotlight after a devastating ten-length win over subsequent Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach in the Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot.

The Sir Henry Cecil-trained colt was priced up the 4-6 favourite to maintain his unbeaten record on the Rowley Mile. Despite pulling fiercely, he still pulled two and a quarter lengths clear of the smart Roderic O'Connor with nine-length Middle Park winner Dream Ahead in fifth. The rest, as they say, is history.

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