UAE Prince ready for step up in class says Varian

Carey Group Buckhounds Stakes l Listed l 1m4f l ITV4/RUK

Roger Varian bids to win this for a record-equalling third time with the promising UAE Prince, who steps up in class after his comeback win in a handicap at Ripon last month.

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum may have lost his star performer Postponed, but hopes are high at Carlburg Stables that UAE Prince can go some way to filling the void for the same owner and finally confirm the impression of his excellent homework.

The son of Sea The Stars took his time to hit top gear over a mile and a quarter at Ripon but should certainly relish this extra quarter-mile and stiff finish..

Roger Varian: could have another star on his hands with UAE PrinceCredit: Edward Whitaker

Varian, who has previously won this with Alainmaar in 2011 and Ektihaam two years later, said: “UAE Prince is a progressive horse and I was pleased with his reappearance win at Ripon. He looks ready for a step up in class and the course and ground will suit. This will tell us a lot more about him.”

Two other Newmarket-trained up and comers are Knight’s Table and Wild Hacked, who also step out of handicap company after easy victories last time.

Top rated of the ten runners is Star Storm, who would be a big player if he returned to the form of 2015 when he won the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes over this course and distance.

James Fanshawe’s five-year old missed out last year but has been working nicely at home and is bursting for a run.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Mohammed Obaida, said: “James is keen to get Star Storm on the track and we need to start him off somewhere. I wouldn’t say he will be 100 percent fit first time but should give a good account.”

Ralph Beckett takes on UAE Prince with a colt part-owned by a Welsh prince in the shape of Carntop.

Owned by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Carntop is bidding to put a poor run at Newmarket last September behind him.

Ralph Beckett said: “He rather fell apart on me after Royal Ascot and then ran appallingly at Newmarket. It has taken me a long time to get him back and this is just a step on the road, but his work is good and he’s fit and ready.”