Superlative Stakes form gets tested as Masekela lines up in the Royal Lodge

Saturday: 1.50 Newmarket
Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) | 1m | 2yo | ITV4/RTV

There is little doubt that the best piece of form among the seven Royal Lodge runners is Masekela's Newmarket runner-up finish to Native Trail in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes.

While that narrow winner clearly improved significantly on his next start when slamming Point Lonsdale by three-and-a-quarter lengths in the Group 1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh, it nonetheless looked a strong event by Group 2 standards.

Masekela continued his progression into a top-class performer when making all in Newbury's Listed Denford Stakes to beat Bayside Boy by a head.

Both of his last two starts have come over 7f and he will likely take another step forward at Newmarket now that he tackles a mile for the first time.

Native Trail's trainer Charlie Appleby has a strong handle on the form and runs Coroebus, winner of a Newmarket novice event on his debut last month in taking fashion.

The son of Dubawi travelled strongly throughout and merely needed to be shaken up by William Buick in the final furlong to beat the race-fit Saga by a length and a quarter.

Coroebus accomplished his task with tremendous professionalism that day and looks a thoroughly straightforward colt.

He's clearly open to improvement with that first run behind him and, while the level of form he's shown so far is some way below what Masekela has achieved, it would be no surprise to see him take a big step forward and retain his unbeaten record.

Royal Patronage has improved with every run, and seeks a hat-trick following wins at Epsom and York.

He didn't see a rival in those two front-running displays under Jason Hart, belying odds of 25-1 to land the Group 3 Acomb Stakes on the second occasion. The fourth that day, Noble Truth, has since landed the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster.

Oneforthegutter could outrun big odds

It's not difficult to argue the case for Oneforthegutter being the pick of the bigger-priced runners outside of the top three in the market.

The Ian Williams-trained colt has progressed with each of his three runs and there is abundant substance to his form. Most notably, Oneforthegutter's close fourth to Caturra in Newbury's Listed Rose Bowl Stakes in July was boosted by the winner's subsequent success in the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.

Oneforthegutter (blue, left): won at Haydock earlier this yearCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The manner in which he stayed on towards the end of a 7f Deauville Group 3 last month suggests this step up to a mile will be firmly in his favour.

Williams said: "It's a tough race, and there are some nice two-year-olds in there. Oneforthegutter should acquit himself well, though, especially as we feel the step up in trip will help him."

What they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Coroebus
Coroebus won his maiden in a raw style but did it well and has come on for the run. We have been pleased with him going into this and feel that he's ready to test himself in Pattern company.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Howth
It was a good run at Leopardstown last time when he looked to come there to win his race before pricking his ears. That's why we've put the blinkers on him, just to help him concentrate when he gets there. Hopefully he'll run well.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Masekela
He's been working well at home and is in good form. I think the extra furlong should really suit him in this race. We're looking forward to the Royal Lodge and fingers crossed he can put in another good performance.

Donnacha O'Brien, trainer of Unconquerable
I'm looking forward to stepping him up to a mile – I think the track and trip should suit him. He seems to have improved a good bit from his last run. This is obviously a good race but I'm hopeful he can run well.

Saturday's race previews:

2.25 Newmarket: 'I wouldn't change her for anything' – key quotes for the Cheveley Park Stakes

2.30 Curragh: exciting O'Brien juvenile Luxembourg set to show star promise in Beresford test

3.00 Newmarket: Perfect Power renews rivalry with familiar foes in top-class Middle Park

3.40 Newmarket: 'This has been his target' – Thady Gosden on yard's leading Cambridgeshire hopes

4.10 Curragh: Art Power bids for another lucrative Irish raid in Group 3 Renaissance Stakes

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