Brian The Snail out to defend unbeaten record

British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes | 5f | Listed | RUK

Exciting Godolphin three-year-old Brian The Snail, who holds an entry in Royal Ascot’s Group 1 Commonwealth Cup next month, puts his unbeaten record on the line as he steps up to Listed level for the first time.

Twice a winner during his juvenile campaign – one of those being achieved on soft ground at Catterick – the son of Zebedee took his form to a new level when impressively landing a Pontefract handicap off a mark of 95 on his seasonal reappearance last month.

Brian The Snail unleashed a useful turn of foot under William Buick to justify warm favouritism that day and looks just the type to move quickly up the sprinting ladder.

Trainer Richard Fahey said: “I’ve been happy with him since Pontefract. His work has been very good and this will tell us more.”

Brian The Snail will face just six of the intended seven rivals on the Knavesmire because Hugo Palmer’s Afandem has been ruled out after standing on a nail.

Jumira Bridge and Queen In Waiting, who were separated by half a length when occupying the first two places at Sandown last month, renew rivalry.

Roger Varian, who trains Jumira Bridge, said: “He's relished the return to sprinting this season and did well to pick up a progressive rival, having started slowly at Sandown last time.

“A fast five furlongs should suit him, although the ground is an unknown.”

Charlie Johnston, assistant to Queen In Waiting’s trainer Mark Johnston, said: “On official ratings she has quite a task but she's a progressive, lightly raced sprinter. The aim will be to get some black type at some stage.”

John Gosden’s Ardad, winner of Royal Ascot’s Listed Windsor Castle Stakes last June, brings Group 1 form to the table, having signed off his first season by finishing ninth of 17 to Marsha in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Chantilly.