Night Circus aiming to put on another show for Godolphin

4.45 Newmarket
Havana Gold Newmarket Stakes (Listed) | 1m1f | 3yo | RUK

Godolphin have farmed this race in recent years thanks to Ocean War (2011), Windhoek (2013), Best Of Times (2015) and subsequent Coral Eclipse-winner Hawkbill last year.

This time Charlie Appleby's representative is the once-raced Night Circus, who beat some smart-looking prospects when winning the Wood Ditton over a mile at the track last month.

Heading the opposition is Khalidi, who also boasts course form having won the Feilden Stakes over a furlong shorter than this trip on his reappearance. He carries a 3lb penalty but is rated upwards of 9lb superior to the remainder of his rivals and trainer John Gosden is in blistering form.

Cracksman may have been the horse everyone was talking about at Epsom in the Derby Trial, but the gutsy Permian pushed him to within a short head. Permian also finished third behind Coronet and Cunco – who has since won Sandown's Classic Trial – in the Zetland Stakes last year and now has the assistance of Ryan Moore.

Majoris, who could not land a blow behind 2,000 Guineas runner Law And Order last time, and Speedo Boy, who carries a penalty after a Listed win at Fontainebleau, complete the line-up.

Stellar strike-rate

Ryan Moore has ridden only once for Mark Johnston in the last fortnight, but that was a winner - Sofia's Rock at Leicester. The pair will bid to make it two from two in two weeks with Permian.

Jet setting

While both Noble Mission and Hawkbill won this race before going on to Group 1 success in Britain, both Salford Mill and Barley Mow won it before being sold to Hong Kong. Salford Mill, renamed Helene Mascot, went on to claim the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin.

What they say

John Gosden, trainer of Khalidi
He's a genuine little horse who won the Feilden in good style and shapes as if this trip will suit him. He has a penalty to carry for that but should give another good account.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Majoris
He'll like the fast ground and I think he'll stay well. His grandmother won the Oaks and his father won the Champion Stakes so the trip won't be an issue.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Night Circus
Night Circus won nicely on debut and he's done well at home since. He ran right through the line last time over a mile and I'm hopeful a mile and a quarter is within his grasp. This is a step up but he should acquit himself well.

Mark Johnston, trainer of Permian
It's a small but competitive field, as you expect in these trial-type races. He ran a fantastic race last time and we'll be hoping for another one.