Quiet Endeavour seeking five-timer against all-weather rookies in Sirenia
4.25 Kempton188Bet Casino Sirenia Stakes | G3 | 6f | 2YO | RUK
Archie Watson had the second in this a year ago and is hoping to go one better with the progressive Quiet Endeavour, who has lived up to his name by racking up four straight wins in novice and nursery company in recent weeks.
The son of Society Rock, who like last year's runner-up Corinthia Knight is owned by the Ontoawinner syndicate, steps into Group company for the first time after his latest impressive display over course and distance last month.
The juvenile was raised 10lb to a mark of 101 after his latest front-running display when landing the odds at the expense of Leoube and is the only one of the five-runner line-up to have run on the all-weather.
His jockey Ed Greatrex said: "If everything goes right they have him to beat. He likes to make the running and has a plum draw for that in stall one. He's run on the all-weather which is a slight advantage, and he's a progressive type."
The 6f contest was a classy affair last year when the smart Invincible Army took the prize, with subsequent Commonwealth Cup winner Eqtidaar finishing fourth. Konchek brings the best form to the table this time.
Clive Cox's speedster has some impressive form in the book on turf, including his close fifth in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Stepped up to today's trip after that, Konchek chased home subsequent Group 1 winner Advertise in the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket, before finishing a close fourth at the same level in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
Cox said: "He's an extremely consistent performer. This is his first contest on the all-weather and if he produces his July Stakes form he's going to be the one to beat."
John Gosden, who won this twice before it was switched to the all-weather in 2006, relies on Kessaar, who attempts to bounce back from a slightly disappointing effort at Ripon last time.
The son of Kodiac had previously scored emphatically at the third time of asking by no less than ten lengths at Windsor and could be suited by the return to a flatter track.
Gosden said: "It looks a tough race but he didn't appear to really handle the track at Ripon last time. He's worked nicely since in a hood and hopefully he can step up."
Junius Brutus appreciated the return to this trip when scoring at Ripon last time and could be a potent threat.
The son of Cockney Rebel may not have stayed when tackling seven furlongs on his previous start behind the top-class Dark Vision in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
Trainer Ralph Beckett said: "There are plenty of positives as this seems his trip and he enjoys working on the all-weather at home. If he runs to his rating he should be thereabouts."
Read exclusive previews of from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
Published on inPreviews
Last updated
- Morning updates: Stage Star a big market drifter in the December Gold Cup; 'perfect' ground in store at Cheltenham
- 'He could have 12lb up his sleeve and at 5-2 is the best bet anywhere this weekend' - David Jennings on Saturday's action
- 'She should have more to offer and looks overpriced' - Harry Wilson with his ITV tips for Cheltenham and Doncaster
- Watch: Tom Segal and Maddy Playle preview Saturday's big-race action at Cheltenham
- 'He does not seem to know how to run a bad race' - our expert panel assess the weekend racing
- Morning updates: Stage Star a big market drifter in the December Gold Cup; 'perfect' ground in store at Cheltenham
- 'He could have 12lb up his sleeve and at 5-2 is the best bet anywhere this weekend' - David Jennings on Saturday's action
- 'She should have more to offer and looks overpriced' - Harry Wilson with his ITV tips for Cheltenham and Doncaster
- Watch: Tom Segal and Maddy Playle preview Saturday's big-race action at Cheltenham
- 'He does not seem to know how to run a bad race' - our expert panel assess the weekend racing