Mount Athos could drop back in trip for the Sprint final following his front-running victory at Kempton Park last week, in a race that produced several Finals Day pointers.
A Listed winner at Deauville in November for James Tate, Mount Athos defeated Local Hero by a head and is now unbeaten in five seven-furlong appearances at Kempton Park, with the handicapper raising him 2lb to 108.
The third home Roi De France is likely to be a leading contender for the Mile final, while the unlucky Heathcliff has had the Sprint final as a target since the start of the season.
Kempton Park staged a valuable Saturday card as well, with Cool Party in contention for the Marathon final following his success in the two-mile Virgin Bet Queen's Prize Handicap.
Charlie Johnston’s stayer has been busy through the winter, with his latest success coming on the back of a third behind Roaring Legend at Lingfield Park’s AWC Trials Day.
Jockey Silvestre de Sousa said: “We went a true gallop from the gates. I know the horse very well and he just lengthens and gallops. The horse was very fit for this race and I wanted to make it a proper test. It paid off well.”
Classy filly Soprano made a successful comeback in the mile Listed Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes, holding off fellow Royal Ascot scorer Crimson Advocate by a nose.
Twice placed at the top level last year, George Boughey’s filly will now be aimed at Royal Ascot, where she has the option of the G1 Queen Anne Stakes or G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes.
Harry Herbert of her owner Highclere Thoroughbred Racing said: “What a wonderful filly. She has given us all so much fun and has proven that she is a Group One filly.
“William [Buick] said she was too gassy and fresh, which meant the tank emptied a bit in the last 100 yards, but he did say that she had given him a terrific feel.
“Royal Ascot is so important to all of us, whether it is trainers, breeders, owners or jockeys, so that would definitely be the plan.”
Royal Ascot may also be on the cards for the Owen Burrows-trained Glittering Surf, who maintained her unbeaten record with a swooping success in a mile conditions race for three-year-old fillies. The daughter of Oasis Dream will test her credentials in next month’s Listed Michael Seely Stakes at York.
Teumessias Fox landed the valuable 11-furlong Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Rosebery Handicap for Andrew Balding, his first all-weather appearance since disappointing in last season’s BetUK Easter Classic.
The all-weather champion jockey title race remains in the balance, with Hector Crouch reestablishing a four-win lead over Billy Loughnane with a treble at Southwell on Friday evening.
