'We know more about him now' - can speedy Coroebus last home in Autumn Stakes?

Saturday: 2.20 Newmarket
Emirates Autumn Stakes (Group 3) | 1m | 2yo | ITV/RTV

It's not often that you can assume you know the final result with two furlongs to run in a mile Flat contest. That appeared to be the case in the Royal Lodge last month when Coroebus shot three lengths clear of his rivals and looked home for all money – £32,892 at the minimum 1.01 on the Betfair Exchange, in fact.

An 11.45sec sectional in the penultimate furlong appeared to put the race to bed. The Godolphin-trained colt quickened like a future 2,000 Guineas contender against inferior rivals, but he shockingly came to a halt with 100 yards to run and ended up being re-passed by initial pacesetter Royal Patronage.

There was no shame in losing to the Acomb winner, who set solid fractions and stayed on powerfully over the mile trip, but it was the way Coroebus folded (13.11sec final furlong, over half a second slower than the eventual winner) that leaves cause for concern.

It was a performance that showcased his talent and potential lack of stamina at this stage of his career, while drawing comparisons with Pinatubo's efforts over a mile. Charlie Appleby will be looking for the son of Dubawi to make amends and the fact he should get a longer lead into the race will suit. On ratings, he has plenty in hand.

Two-year-olds can improve dramatically from one start to the next, though, and if a shade of odds-on doesn't tempt you on the favourite, there are some enticing alternatives.

Imperial Fighter doesn't have much to find on a line through Royal Patronage, who beat him in the Acomb, while Dubai Poet and Dirtyoldtown enter this race on the back of highly impressive novice victories.

Aidan O'Brien, who has surprisingly never won this race, is triple-handed with Scriptwriter, Aikhal and United Nations, who boasts a beautiful pedigree.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Aikhal, Scriptwriter and United Nations Scriptwriter improved from his first start to win at Gowran Park and he's in good form. United States won first time out and we always felt he'd do well for stepping up to a mile. He's lazy at home but seems to be in good form. Aikhal won well at Listowel. We felt the experience would do him good and he could do with stepping up to a mile as well.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Coroebus
He surprised us with the manner of his acceleration in the Royal Lodge Stakes and he ultimately paid the price for it in the closing stages. He came out of that race well and we felt it was the right time to let him go again, especially with the softer ground. He has definitely come forward for his last run but, most importantly, we know more about him now.

George Boughey, trainer of Dirtyoldtown
He was supposed to run in Ireland last week but they shut the M6 motorway and he couldn’t get there. He’s none the worse for that and has worked nicely since. It’s a tough race but I expect him to outrun his odds.

Andrea Atzeni, rider of Dubai Poet
It’s a big step up from winning a novice at Newbury but he finished off his race well over seven furlongs and this step up to a mile should suit him. We have the Godolphin horse to beat but this will tell us a bit more about him and he’ll make a lovely type next year.

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Green Team
It's a big step up in grade but he won nicely at Ayr. It's a step up in trip too, but he should have no problem getting the mile. He deserves to take his chance and we're excited to see how he gets on.

Oisin Murphy, rider of Imperial Fighter
He was a good second in the Acomb Stakes at York, which is always a good race and has worked out well. He should be suited by this extra furlong. He’s a big horse who should improve with every run.

Emily Scott, racing manager to Amo Racing, owner of Mr Professor
It’s a tough race but we think he’ll be suited by the stronger pace in a better race as he was pulling for his head a bit in a nursery there last time. The step up isn't beyond him and hopefully he can be competitive.
Reporting by David Milnes

Saturday's race previews:

1.45 Newmarket: Charlie Appleby seeks flying start in the Zetland with promising Godolphin pair

2.55 Newmarket: 'He has sharpened up again' - Charlie Appleby full of confidence in Native Trail

3.15 York: O'Meara full of hope as Gulliver bids for treble tops in Coral Sprint Trophy

3.30 Chepstow: Can Nicholls extend record in first valuable handicap hurdle of season?

3.35 Newmarket: Six of the best for Mullins as he bids for fourth consecutive Cesarewitch

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