Key views and pointers for the Hampton Court Stakes

Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV/SSR

The performance put in by King Of Comedy when second in the St James’s Palace Stakes left connections of both Roseman and Sangarius with big smiles on their faces.

The duo had chased home the John Gosden-trained runner on his previous start at Sandown, giving them plenty of reasons to be optimistic about their chances in this race.

Roseman finished second at Sandown, and his trainer Roger Varian said: “He’s in good form and the form of his last race took a big boost on the opening day at Ascot. We don’t have the best of draws but I’m really pleased with how the horse is.”

Sangarius was a further length and a quarter behind Roseman and provides a strong contender for owner Khalid Abdullah.

“Sangarius’s form is working out quite nicely,” said the owner’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe. “We’ve always had a good opinion of him but he’s taken a while to come to himself this year. He’s working nicely and I don’t think the ground will be a problem for him.”

Hope for O'Brien as trainer calls on strength in depth

If the Derby showed us anything it is that when it comes to middle- distance three-year-old colts there are plenty of good ones to choose from at Ballydoyle.

In fact, there are so many good ones to pick from that Aidan O’Brien does not have to call on any of his Epsom runners in this. Instead, he can rely on Cape Of Good Hope, fourth in the Prix du Jockey Club last time, and Old Glory, who will be partnered by Derby-winning jockey Seamie Heffernan.

O’Brien said: “We were very happy with how Cape Of Good Hope ran in the French Derby and he wasn't beaten all that far into fourth. He hasn't done a lot since going to France but seems in good form.

“Old Glory only ran the other day at the Curragh when just beaten in a tight finish. Like Cape Of Good Hope he hasn't done a lot since but we think this sort of race should suit him.”

What they say

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Arthur Kitt and Great Scot
Great Scot is stepping up in trip and he’s been performing well at a good level. He’ll like the ground. Arthur Kitt is coming back in trip and possibly should have won last time at Leicester. I think they’ve got good each-way chances in this.

Cap Francais (left) chases home Cape Of Good Hope (dark colours) at EpsomCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ed Walker, trainer of Cap Francais
He’s coming back in trip after not staying in the Derby Trial at Lingfield. Obviously he has cracking form having run so close behind the Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck and he shouldn’t have any excuses. I think he’s a big price for a horse with the form he has.

Michael Bell, trainer of Eightsome Reel
He's in excellent form and his dam was very effective with some ease in the ground so we would be hopeful. His form got a major boost when Al Hilalee, who finished just behind him at Newmarket last time, won a Group race in France last weekend.

Clive Cox, trainer of Getchagetchagetcha
He won nicely at Leicester in a conditions race last time and any rain they get before the race will suit him. He’s back in trip but he has the feeling of a horse who is progressing and I think he’s more than up to competing at this level.

John Gosden, trainer of Kick On
He didn't have a great draw in the Prix du Jockey Club and could never really land a blow. This should be better for him and he should handle the ground.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of King Ottokar
The rain is in his favour and he goes there in as good a form as he has been all year. He didn't stay the 1m4f in the Chester Vase in which they went flat out and this looks the best race for him back in trip.

Spotlight verdict

An open race with many possibilities. The one to appeal most is King Ottokar, who looked a potential Group-race winner when having good subsequent scorers behind him when winning on soft ground at Newbury in April and ran well until his stamina appeared to give out in the Chester Vase last time. This lightly raced colt may be the answer ahead of Great Scot and twice-raced Fox Chairman. Buckhurst and Cape Of Good Hope are others for the shortlist.

Ladbrokes are paying 4 places (1-5 odds) instead of 3 places. Standard place terms apply if 14 or few horse runs. Click here to view the card