Trainer Martyn Meade is upbeat about the chances of his Showcasing colt, Advertise, despite the strength of the opposition in what promises to be a fabulous renewal of the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse on Saturday (13th October).
 
Not seen on a racecourse since landing the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh on 12th August, Advertise was one of 12 colts to stand their ground at today’s confirmation stage for this £500,000 seven furlong contest, one of the highlights of the Dubai Future Champions Festival and, alongside Friday’s bet365 Fillies’ Mile, the joint richest Group 1 two-year-old event in Europe.

The dazzling dozen are led by the unbeaten Dubawi colt, Too Darn Hot, easy winner of both the Group 3 Solario Stakes and the Group 2 Champagne Stakes and representing yesterday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning trainer/jockey combination of John Gosden and Frankie Dettori.

Irish Champion Trainer Aidan O’Brien has won the last three Dewhursts and is clearly keen on completing the four-timer as he is responsible for no less than two thirds of the remaining entries.

His eight-strong contingent is headed by the unbeaten Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes hero, Ten Sovereigns, plus Mohawk, successful in the Group 2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes, and Anthony Van Dyck, runner-up in the Group 1 National Stakes.

Sir Michael Stoute, whose only previous Dewhurst triumph came with Ajdal way back in 1986, is represented by another unbeaten colt, the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes scorer, Sangarius, while the entry is completed by the Richard Hannon-trained Kuwait Currency, comprehensive winner of a Listed race at Salisbury when last seen back in August.

Martyn Meade, trainer of Advertise, said:

“Advertise is in perfect health. He has had a bit of a break since the Phoenix Stakes and is ready to come back in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes.”

“Whatever he has done at home since the Phoenix has been perfectly pleasing, he has had no issues at all, touch wood, and will be better and stronger than ever come Saturday.”

“Unfortunately, the Dewhurst seems better and stronger than ever too – it’s a very hot race. It will certainly be no walk in the park but that doesn’t put us off.”

“His preparation has gone totally according to plan – whether he is good enough, only time will tell.”