Ted Durcan's expecting big things from Godolphin star

Simon Milham13 April 2012

TED DURCAN says Godolphin can expect an exciting summer with Campanologist, who makes his seasonal debut in a hot renewal of the Blue Square Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown tomorrow.

The colt won the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, beating subsequent St Leger and Breeders' Cup Turf hero Conduit. The pair renew rivalry in the Group 3 contest over 10 furlongs (7.45), with Sir Michael Stoute's Conduit conceding upwards of 4lb to his 12 rivals.

Though Campanologist may need his first outing of the season, his jockey is expecting big things from Saeed bin Suroor's four-year-old.

Durcan, who steps in for the suspended Frankie Dettori, said: "It looks a strong race but he's been going extremely well at home, though the run will bring him on because he's been off a long time. But he's going to be an exciting horse this year."

Twice a runner-up in the Ascot Gold Cup, Geordieland makes his seasonal debut in the Group 2 Henry II Stakes (7.10) - which includes current Gold Cup favourite Patkai.

Meanwhile, the Richard Hannon-trained Monsieur Chevalier, whose likely target is the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, puts his unbeaten record on the line in the National Stakes (6.35).

But Robert Cowell hopes that his filly High Spice can dent a few reputations in the five-furlong Listed race and book herself an Ascot ticket.

He said: "It's a hot race, but streaks have to come to an end sometime."

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