Analysis and insight on the Fred Archer Stakes with well-fancied pair withdrawn

4.30 Newmarket
Betway Fred Archer Stakes (Listed) | 1m4f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

John Gosden will rely on El Misk in the Fred Archer Stakes, a race he last won with 33-1 shot Polygon in 2012. The top Newmarket trainer, who has his team in rip-roaring form, has only been represented in the race by Gatewood since, who finished second in 2014 and third in 2015.

El Misk appeared to be the trainer's second string but First In Line was declared a non-runner on Sunday, as well as Sir Michael Stoute's Alignak.

He boasts an improving profile but has done all of his winning on the all-weather.

William Haggas's Pablo Escobarr has some good form in the book but also returns off a layoff, makes his first start since being gelded and has to give weight away to all his rivals bar Universal Order, so has a tough task.

Race analysis by Tom Collins

Key stat

Universal Order's trainer David Simcock bids for a third win in this race in seven runnings, following victories with Bateel (2016) and Sheikhzayedroad (2014).

What they say

William Haggas, trainer of Pablo Escobarr
I think he'll run a good race. He's had a nice break and has been gelded since his last run.

David Simcock, trainer of Universal Order
He's progressive but this is different to what he has faced in the past. He's carrying a penalty in a Listed race and is worse off with the likes of Pablo Escobarr and El Misk. It's a tough race but he's in good order and we'd like to think he'll carry on improving.

David Simcock: out to continue his fine record in the raceCredit: Chris Bourchier

John Gosden, trainer of El Misk
El Misk was taken out of Royal Ascot because of the soft ground and wants fast ground so the rain needs to stay away for him.

Oisin Murphy, rider of Grace And Danger
She's from a very good family and it would be great if she could finish in the first three and get some more black type.

Reporting by Andrew Dietz

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