Fame And Glory ready to step out of Sea The Stars' shadow

Before running in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe two weeks ago, Fame And Glory had been beaten by just one horse in seven previous races.

Though his reputation was tarnished somewhat when sixth to Sea The Stars at Longchamp, Fame And Glory can gain his third Group 1 success by winning the Champion Stakes at Newmarket (3.00) tomorrow.

Aidan O'Brien's colt has had the misfortune to come up against the best colt in the last 30 years.

And in truth, if Ballydoyle had not decided to run the Derby to suit the speedier stablemate Rip Van Winkle, he would have perhaps at least had one verdict over John Oxx's now-retired star, who also lowered Fame And Glory's colours in the Irish Champion Stakes.

The only concern is that the three-year-old is better over a mile and a half, rather than the straight 10 furlongs of the Rowley Mile. Fame And Glory is bred for 12 furlongs and must go on every shortlist for races like the King George next season.

Yet three of the Irish Derby winner's four victories have come over tomorrow's trip and his main opponents are all dropping back in distance as well.

English and Irish Oaks winner Sariska has won over this trip before but she appreciates a softer surface than she is likely to encounter.

Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes winner Mawatheeq is a fresh, fast-improving horse form the in-form Marcus Tregoning stable. Yet his last win came over 12 furlongs and he may just lack that touch of class.