Formosina Gunning for More Group 2 Glory

Anyone who saw for themselves the thrilling victory of Formosina in the Group2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh's Derby meeting late last month must surely have been impressed with Jeremy Noseda's highly progressive colt who looks set to be turned out again quickly in similar company when tackling Friday's Superlative Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting, writes Elliot Slater.

Formosina's victory in Ireland broke an astounding run of success in the contest by trainer Aidan O'Brien who had won 11 of the previous 13 renewals, and whose Samuel Morse started favourite after a good run at Royal Ascot. The Ballydoyle juvenile looked all over the winner at the Curragh until caught in the very last stride by Noseda's Footstepsinthesand colt, who produced a withering late run (after being slightly hampered at a critical stage), to win in the closest of photo finishes under an inspired ride from champion jockey Ryan Moore.

Judging by the way he thundered home over the six furlongs there is every reason for racing tips to believe that Formosina will be at least as good (if not better), over the extra furlong at Newmarket, and despite having to give away 3lbs to all his rivals he will surely prove a very tough nut to crack if fully recovered from his Curragh heroics. After working earlier this week on the HQ gallops, Noseda seemed more than satisfied that his charge had taken little out of himself with his journey to Ireland and has reformulated plans to take in the Superlative Stakes instead of the originally planned target of the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

With Richard Hannon's juveniles still in irresistible form his preferred of Bahcelli or King Torus would be worthy of note, whilst the Godolphin pair of Deep South and Ecliptic both look capable of significant improvement and are relatively unexposed. That said, I find it hard to oppose Formosina who looks set to strengthen his claim to be a leading betting tips contender for next season's 2000 Guineas with a big performance at Newmarket on Friday.