'One of the best of his generation' - Palmer talks up Group 1 star Ebro River

Wednesday: 3.00 Newmarket
Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes (Group 3) | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Only once in the last decade has a three-year-old run in the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes and Hugo Palmer clearly thinks sprinting is the way forward for last year's Phoenix Stakes winner Ebro River.

Ebro River lacks any Classic entries and although he had everything in trouble at the two-furlong pole in the 7f National Stakes, he ultimately could not maintain the strong pace he set over that trip. Similar events transpired in the Jean-Luc Lagardere on heavy next time.

Weight-for-age concessions favour younger horses earlier in the season and in theory Ebro River should win this cosily if he is fully primed. He is the highest-rated horse by 3lb in receipt of 12lb from the older males and 9lb from the mares. However, juvenile ratings are often inflated and Ebro River's pedigree doesn't scream sprinting.

Garrus sets the standard among the older brigade and reappeared in last month's Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster. He was denied a clear run against the rail just over a furlong out, but it was disappointing a horse with such a commendable record fresh was unable to reorganise himself to mount a challenge when switched.

Garrus (centre) runs in Wednesday's contest under Ryan MooreCredit: Edward Whitaker

It may be worth siding with a couple of four-year-olds at much bigger prices. Existent has been transformed into a smart sprinter for Stuart Williams and shares similarities to the trainer's 2019 winner Keystroke.

Both were fighting fit after racing on the all-weather in the winter and had excuses for their last-time-out defeats. Existent upset himself in the stalls, lost ground at the start and never got the splits in the final furlong. If he handles the preliminaries and the rain abstains, he is a major player.

The lightly raced Bellosa is the other runner of interest. She is yet to run over 6f but has plenty of speed and a drop in trip might be exactly what she requires at a track she loves.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Palmer excited about older sprinters clash

Hugo Palmer is relishing testing Ebro River against the older sprinters for the first time and expects the Rowley Mile to play to the strengths of last year's Phoenix Stakes winner.

The son of Galileo Gold finished third behind Native Trail in the National Stakes in a stellar juvenile season and receives as much as 12lb from some of his opposition on Wednesday, as well as escaping a penalty for his top-level win at the Curragh, which has left Palmer expecting a bold show.

Ebro River: could be destined for greater things following his returnCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"I think Newmarket should suit him as I'm a tiny bit nervous about his staying the stiff six at Ascot," Palmer said. "That's not to say we won't go to the Pavilion Stakes next, but I'm very confident about him getting the six furlongs at Newmarket.

"I just thought it could be the right place to start him. If he goes through the three-year-old programme, he has to take on the best sprinters of his generation, of which he is one of course. I'm not sure any of the others in the Abernant can be described as the best of their generation."

What they say

Charlie Hills, trainer of Garrus
I was very pleased with his run at Doncaster and this has always been the plan since. He tripped coming out the stalls that day and we were a place or two behind where we ideally wanted to be. He's run well at Newmarket before and Doncaster should have sharpened him up nicely.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Jumby
I'm really happy with him. It's a good starting place and while all mine seem to be needing the run, I think I've done plenty with him. He wintered very well and he loves the Rowley Mile. He's on an upward curve winning his last two and we've got William Buick on him, so we're very hopeful.

Chris Wall, trainer of Double Or Bubble
She wintered well and is ready for a run. There's one or two in there she'll have to improve to beat but she has to start somewhere and this looks a good slot. She usually runs well here and we hope for a good run before getting a plan together for the rest of the season.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

Tuesday's race previews:

3.35 Newmarket: 'This is no normal Craven' - 2,000 Guineas favourite Native Trail set to dazzle

Craven analysis: 'Champion juveniles don't always evolve into champion three-year-olds' (Members' Club)

2.05 Cheltenham: 'Magnificent' festival star Coole Cody back for more at favourite track

2.25 Newmarket: Expert pedigree analysis as unraced three-year-olds go on show in Wood Ditton

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