Timeform Notebook: Stoute continues to get tune out of Gospel Choir

We are not exactly flying under the radar with our first selection, but it's well worth stressing how deep an impression Gospel Choir left when battling to victory at Haydock on Saturday. Sir Michael Stoute's three-year-old has now won both of his starts since being sent into handicap company and seems to have thrived since an emphasis has been placed on his stamina. On Saturday, he briefly appeared to be in trouble as Ryan Moore had to start pushing along fully three furlongs from home, but the son of Galileo responded generously and, ultimately, seemed to have a bit in hand at the line. The form of Gospel Choir's penultimate start, when victorious at Ascot, was given a massive boost earlier on Saturday when the vanquished Sun Central managed to register a comfortable victory, and it looks as if Gospel Choir is simply a talented, progressive colt who has managed to stay one step ahead of the handicapper. Provided the assessor doesn't react too harshly to Saturday's success, a trip to York to contest the Melrose Stakes, over one mile and six furlongs, would look an obvious target.

Sticking with Stoute-trained three-year-olds, Zumbi caught the eye at Newmarket, looking like an unlucky loser. He entered this season with a tall reputation, having won well on debut before finishing a promising third in the Acomb Stakes, but he failed to justify odds-on favouritism when disappointing in the Free Handicap. Absent since that defeat, Zumbi reappeared on Saturday and produced an effort full of promise, travelling noticeably well before suffering an interrupted passage as tried to make his challenge. Ultimately, Zumbi looked a shade unlucky, as he finished strongly once in the clear and was only narrowly beaten, gaining quickly on his rivals close home. It is reasonable to assume that this unexposed colt can build on that effort, having been off the track for four months prior to the race, and his future engagements should be monitored closely.

Alnawiyah, making her debut for the out-of-form John Dunlop yard, made a highly encouraging racecourse bow, and perhaps deserves marking up given the current fortunes of her stable. By Dalakhani and out of a granddaughter of Salsabil, Alnawiyah is bred to come into her own when tackling middle distances, so this effort over seven furlongs, as an inexperienced two-year-old, strongly hinted towards real promise. She was slowly away and didn't enjoy the clearest of runs when initially asked to make her challenge, however she finished with a real flourish to grab third, and she left the firm impression that she would benefit enormously for the experience. It would perhaps be unwise to get too heavily involved whilst her trainer remains in the doldrums, but, from a longer term perspective, Alnawiyah certainly has the pedigree and potential to make a good-quality staying three-year-old.

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