Michael Bell is hopeful Tactician can cope with the step up in class and trip when he lines up for the Stobart Doncaster Cup on Town Moor.
The Queen's likeable stayer has already made giant strides this term and only went down by a length to Moyenne Corniche after making most of the running in the Ebor at York last month. However, he has an extra half-mile to travel this time and is stepping up to Group Two company.
"It's obviously a big step up in class and trip, but the horse looks as though he will stay and every run this year he has improved. With a little bit more improvement it will put him in the mix," said Bell.
Tastahil was second in the corresponding race 12 months ago and Charlie Hills is praying the ground is suitable for him, telling At The Races: "He normally comes good at this time of year. He ran a great race here a year ago. He looks well in himself and we'll just keep an eye on the ground."
Blue Bajan appeared not to act on the ground at York last month when well beaten by Opinion Poll in the Lonsdale Cup. That was a rare blip for David O'Meara's nine-year-old, who has shown smart form, particularly when lifting the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May.
"Maybe he didn't quite handle the ground at York. A lot of people complained about it afterwards. Hopefully conditions will be OK for him at Doncaster. The quicker the going the better for him," said O'Meara.
Connections of Opinion Poll are expecting a big run from the in-form stayer, who has won the Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup at York already this summer.
"Opinion Poll heads to Doncaster in good form. We had the option of going for the Irish St Leger on Saturday but we decided to stay in England with him," trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni told www.godolphin.com.
"Two and a quarter miles will suit him well and I think that the ground will be no problem - he won on good to firm at Goodwood and good going at York. I expect him to be there or thereabouts once again."
Frankie Dettori is excited about teaming up with an old favourite, adding on At The Races: "He's a model of consistency and he never runs a bad race. He's one of those Cup horses I enjoy riding. He always gives 100% and I'm expecting another good run."
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