Distant Storm expected to leave York reverse behind him

Charlie Appleby is happy to forgive Distant Storm his defeat at York and expects him to play a leading role in the finish of the Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.

The Night Of Thunder colt won what has turned out to be the hottest maidens of the season on the July course when beating Aidan O’Brien’s subsequent Group Two winner Constitution River, with Catullus, a stablemate of the winner who reopposes, third.

The fifth, sixth and seventh have also all won, while Brian Meehan’s Ocean’s Four, who finished ninth, landed a Group Three in France at the weekend. Even the 10th home, Saeed bin Suroor’s Sword Maker, is now rated 90.

“Distant Storm broke his maiden at the July Festival and the form of that race worked out well,” said Appleby.

“I think you can put a line through his Acomb run (when third) – sometimes two-year-olds going to York at that stage of their career can run too freely.

“He came out of the race well and we have been pleased with his preparation. I would be disappointed if he is not bang there at the finish.”

Of his other runner he told www.godolphin.com: “Catullus was very impressive at Yarmouth and had put up two good performances prior to that win.

“He has definitely come forward and deserves his place in a race like this. I’m pretty confident he will be in the mix as well and we go into the race with two nice colts.”

John and Thady Gosden’s first time out winner Archer Royal also runs in the Godolphin silks.

The only other two with outings in Group company to their name are David O’Meara’s Rogue Supremacy, second in the Sirenia Stakes last time out, and George Scott’s Commander’s Intent, who was second in a German Group Three.

“He’s done very little wrong so far and we sent him to Germany last time where he ran very creditably,” said Scott.

“He was just a bit unfortunate with his track position, but I think fundamentally he got beat by a very good horse on the day.

“We just wanted to see where we are with him in regards to making a plan for next spring. It’s a big ask and it looks a strong race, but he is a lovely horse for next year, regardless of what happens on Thursday.”

Ed Walker’s debut winner Northern Champion, Roger Varian’s Wechaad and the Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole-trained Special Dividend complete the field, with Stellar Sunrise a non runner.