Gustav Klimt out to make splash in Group company

4.00 Newmarket
bet365 Superlative Stakes (Group 2) | 7f | ITV/RUK

Gustav Klimt, who steps up to Group 2 company after winning on his second start at the Curragh, is the latest Aidan O’Brien-trained two-year-old work of art to put his reputation on the line.

The son of Galileo made significant improvement on his Curragh debut fifth when returning to that track at the beginning of the month to land a maiden by a length and three quarters from Would Be King.

Fitted with a first-time tongue tie, Gustav Klimt won with far more in hand than the official margin suggests under Ryan Moore, and looks a smart prospect.

O'Brien said: "He came forward nicely from his first run to win over seven furlongs at the Curragh a couple of weeks ago. He's been in good form since and we're happy with him."

His biggest threat could come from the totally unexposed Finniston Farm who created an excellent impression when making a winning Haydock debut in May and missed Royal Ascot to wait for this prestigious event.

Some bookmakers introduced him into the market as short as 5-1, and trainer Tom Dascombe, who landed the Superlative Stakes with Ole Ole in 2008, said:

“Finniston Farm is a really lovely horse who I expected to win first time out. We bypassed Royal Ascot with this race in mind.”

Finniston Farm: first time out winner is highly regarded by connectionsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Charlie Appleby is doubly represented by Aqabah, an honourable fifth behind Rajasinghe in Royal Ascot’s Group 2 Coventry Stakes, and Zaman, a last-gasp winner at Pontefract last time under a beautiful William Buick ride.

The Newmarket trainer said: “Aqabah ran a very creditable race in the Coventry Stakes and we are looking forward to stepping up in trip, which will hopefully bring some further improvement.

“Zaman put up a good, solid performance at Pontefract last time, when it looked like he was crying out for this distance.”

Another Coventry graduate, ninth-placed Nebo, is expected to run a big race by Charlie Hills, who said:

“I think he’ll get the 7f trip no problem and I thought he ran well in the Coventry when he got left on his own. We’ve been pleased with him since and I’m sure he’ll run another big race. He’s won on soft ground, but I don’t think it’s that important to him.”

The Richard Hannon stable boasts a good record in this race in recent years, having scored with Estidhkaar (2014), Olympic Glory (2012) and King Torus (2010).

Richard Hannon jnr: trained Estidhkaar to win this race in 2014Credit: Edward Whitaker

They are represented by Etefaaq, an all-the-way winner over 6f at Newmarket last month, who is clearly open to further improvement.

Richard Fahey, victorious with Birchwood (2015) and Good Old Boy Lukey (2013), saddles Great Prospector, comfortable scorer on his Nottingham debut last month.

“He is a horse we like a lot,” Fahey said. “We have been minding him a little, but he had been working well before winning at Nottingham.

“It’s a step up in class, but the trip should suit and we’ll find out how good he is here.”