Record-chasing O'Brien could ask Happily to take on colts again in Dewhurst

Aidan O'Brien will have no shortage of runners to choose from for Saturday's Darley Dewhurst Stakes, as he bids to eclipse the late Bobby Frankel's record for Group/Grade 1 winners in a year.

Last weekend Roly Poly moved O'Brien to 23 top-level successes for 2017 – two behind Frankel's record – when winning the Sun Chariot at Newmarket.

O'Brien will return to the Rowley Mile bidding to capture the Dewhurst for the fourth time in the last five years, and at Monday's five-day stage he left in seven possible runners.

Middle Park one-two US Navy Flag and Fleet Review are among O'Brien's options, along with Happily. The only filly in the 15 remaining entries, she has already beaten the colts in a Group 1, when winning the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Chantilly on Arc day.

The race could also feature the return of 2,000 Guineas ante-post favourite Expert Eye, who has not been sighted since a highly impressive win in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. The colt is reported to have been working well in preparation for the race.

Like O'Brien, Jim Bolger has an excellent record in the Dewhurst, with Teofilo, New Approach and Dawn Approach among his winners. He has two possible runners this time with Theobald and National Stakes winner Verbal Dexterity.

The latest forfeits were also received for the second leg of the autumn double, the Betfred Cesarewitch. All the leading fancies, including John Constable, Endless Acres and Who Dares Wins, stood their ground.

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