Tuesday 31 March 2015 17:12, UK
Connections of Consort have high hopes for the three-year-old colt, winner of his only start as a juvenile and a possible for the Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes at Newmarket on April 16.
The son of Lope De Vega has been pleasing trainer Sir Michael Stoute on the gallops and has a variety of early-closing entries, including the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, the Betfred Dante Stakes and the Investec Derby.
"He's in good form and is in full flight with his work," said Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
"Sir Michael hasn't decided yet where to start him off, but I suspect it could be the Craven.
"He won impressively at Newmarket on his debut, but Sir Michael won't decide that until he has made the finishing touches to his work and sees exactly how he is.
"We are very pleased with him. Physically he's done really well over the winter and we're obviously hopeful he'll be an exciting prospect for the season ahead.
"It's a question of how much speed he's got, whether Sir Michael feels he needs further. He's got an entry in the Dante and the trainer will see through this work exactly what he wants to do.
"Having made that impressive debut at Newmarket, you'd have to assume they are pleased with him and that the Craven is a possibility.
"Touch wood, he's going very well at the moment."
Consort is a 33-1 chance with Sky Bet for the Guineas on May 2, where he would be a possible ride for Ryan Moore.
