A Group 2 of some significance regarding the Epsom Derby market. Originally called the Nijinsky Stakes it has produced choice three year old’s Golden Fleece, Sadler’s Wells, St Jovite, Sinndar, Galileo, High Chaparral, Fame and Glory.

Battle Of Marengo looks to join this elite roll of honour and further strengthen the Irish hand on what already looks a tight grip on Epsom’s Blue Riband. He comes off a smooth Ballysax win where he had the measure of Sugar Boy (subsequently the Sandown Classic Trial winner). Add the Beresford win last year and you can see why the market rates second only to Dawn Approach.

He won’t have it all as easy as one would think as there’s some nice types in opposition. First Cornerstone is the only other to hold an Epsom entry here and Andrew Oliver’s colt proved himself decent when winning the G3 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh last year. He was then no match for Kingsbarns at Doncaster in the Racing Post going down 3 3/4 L.

Don’t Bother Me is unlikely to when it comes to the judge however he boxed above his weight to only go down 10 L to Dawn Approach in the Guineas.

We don’t know a lot about Little White Cloud except to say he’s in at the deep end. Two runs, the last at Dundalk in November give him a lot to do but then it is John Oxx who has sent him into battle. Respect.

The forgotten one from last year is Loch Garman. Left to mature until very late he went to Navan to record his debut victory on the last week of the Irish season. A week later he was in Paris to contest the G1 Criterium International at Saint Cloud. Turning for home he looked to be out of his depth when suddenly the penny dropped and he restlessly galloped home to the line. Questionable what he beat but the manner of his wearing down of those in front was impressive. We know Jim’s don’t need a run.

He can can a stir and green the Blue Riband even more for Coolcullen.

Recommendation : Loch Garman 4/1