Carroll singing praises of 'very promising' Santry

2.30 Ascot
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) | 5f | 2yo | ITV/RUK

Malton trainer Declan Carroll gets his shot at the big time as Santry puts his unbeaten record on the line in this speed test for juveniles.

Having a fancied runner in a Group race at the season’s most prestigious meeting is a step into the unknown for the trainer with a 30-strong string, but he can draw inspiration from small-scale trainer Richard Spencer’s victory in the Coventry with Rajasinghe.

“Everyone wants to have runners at a meeting like this, no matter how big a stable you are,” Carroll said.

Santry – who is second favourite behind the Wesley Ward-trained McErin – won a division of the Brocklesby at Doncaster on his debut before following up in a novice event at York’s Dante meeting, where he gave 6lb and a beating to the reopposing Consequences and It Dont Come Easy, who have both since gone on to score.

Carroll, who moved his operation to Britain having previously worked for the likes of Dermot Weld and Liam Browne at the Curragh, says Santry is the best two-year-old he has trained.

“His two wins have been encouraging and he came on from his first run to his second, and we think he’s come on again,” said Carroll.

“The form from York has been boosted and he’s a very promising colt, one we think will progress as the season goes on.”

Both of Santry’s successes have come on ground with cut in it but Carroll thinks his star juvenile can handle the faster conditions.

“There’s a bit of rain forecast so we’ll have to see – he’s not run on fast ground but we think he’ll be okay on it,” said the trainer, who wants to see rain in the forecast before declaring Santry’s stablemate Saigon City for the Queen Alexandra Stakes on Saturday.

Carroll’s previous flagbearers have been Listed winner Hits Only Vic and smart dual-purpose performer Benbyas.

“Santry’s owners [Ray Flegg, John Bousfield and Steve Ryan] have been good supporters of the yard, and we’re delighted to be part of it,” he added.

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Billy Dylan
He ran very well first up at Newbury on ground he hated and then got the job done nicely last time despite the track. This is a very competitive race but I hope he can run in the first four.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Frozen Angel
A higher draw might have been more ideal but my only concern really is very quick ground. He’s won at the course and I’d be very hopeful he can turn around the Sandown form with Havana Grey.

James Given, trainer of Gift In Time
He did absolutely nothing wrong when just touched off on debut and there was a long way back to the others. I think quicker ground will suit him. There’s a lot of improvement still to come but he was quite professional first time and we’re going there hopeful of a good run.

Karl Burke, trainer of Havana Grey
The form of his National Stakes win was franked in the Windsor Castle and for me he’s in better shape now than he was going into Sandown. He’s working very well and I think he’ll be better getting a lead. He’s a very smart colt and has a lovely draw.

Richard Fahey, trainer of It Dont Come Easy
It's a competitive race but I'm very happy with him. He broke the track record at Musselburgh and it's always nice to know he's gone faster than anyone else. It's a fast five furlongs there but the stiffer track will be no problem, he'll come home well.

Clive Cox, trainer of Koditime
He won very professionally at Doncaster but wasn’t at home on the easier ground at Newbury. Faster conditions will be in his favour and dropping back to five is not a concern. He’s very professional and will deal with the occasion I think.

Wesley Ward, trainer of McErin
We’ve been waiting to get him on turf and I’m very excited. There are no races for him on turf at home so that’s why we’re here and he’s breezed very well on grass. Even if there was rain that wouldn’t be an issue, and we’re very excited.

Ralph Beckett, trainer of Nine Below Zero
I was delighted to see Mokaatil, who we beat at Salisbury first time out, finish fourth in the Windsor Castle. He goes there in good shape.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Rock Of Estonia
He'll love the fast ground and I've been happy with him since his last win at Bath. He had the option of the Windsor Castle but it's always been the plan to run here.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Sioux Nation
He's in good form for this drop back in trip. Ryan [Moore] thinks the shorter distance shouldn't be a problem.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of True Blue Moon
He's in good form and we're happy enough with his draw. It looks very competitive and we're just hoping he'll run a good race.

David Flood, trainer of Poorauldjosephine
She’s owned by a colourful bunch from Roscommon and it’s what they want – there’s 14 of them going. She’s got ability but it’s a worry how she’ll handle the occasion.