Easily won the G2 Superlative Stakes on his second start before ending the season as Europe’s Top 2YO having added the G1 Dewhurst Stakes to his tally. Sent off as favourite for the 2000 Guineas on his seasonal return but ran way below expectations in ninth raising questions as to whether he had trained on. Aidan O’Brien - who has won the Derby Stakes a record nine times – is adamant the colt was not himself having got upset in the stalls and questioned whether he had done enough work before the Guineas.

Beaten a long way by Irish 2000 Guineas winner ROSALLION on his second juvenile start but then followed a maiden win with Listed victory and a fine fifth in the G1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, beaten just three and a quarter lengths. Bettered that form on his first run at three when second in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains despite meeting some trouble in running. Has an extra 800m to cover and mixed messages on pedigree as to whether that will suit.

Won both starts at two, most notably the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud where he was too good for Tony Cruz recruit STUNNING PEACH and lively Derby outsider (and stablemate) ILLINOIS. Confirmed his well-being with battling reappearance success in the Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown, pleasing connections as he is described as a lazy horse at home who will improve when stepped up to 2400m.

Made a big impression on debut at Leicester and far from disgraced when five and a half lengths third to ANCIENT WISDOM in the G3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket on his other start that season. Only fourth in a Listed Feilden Stakes on his reappearance but looked a different horse (hood discarded) when putting ILLINOIS firmly in his place when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial by an easy four and a half lengths.

Showed promise as a juvenile but took four attempts to shed his maiden before running a career best when third behind ARABIAN CROWN in the G3 Zetland Stakes. Returned to action for a new trainer [same owner] in Ireland and ran out a surprise winner of the G3 Ballysax Stakes. The placed horses were beaten in the Lingfield Derby Trial but Adrian Murray – who has never had a Derby runner – believes his colt has improved.