Callan: Orchisios Can Be King

Neil Callan hopes the drop back to five furlongs will not inconvenience King Orchisios too much in the 32.Red.com Hever Sprint Stakes at Lingfield on Saturday.

Kevin Ryan's four-year-old won a Listed race at the track last time out over six furlongs, just holding off the challenge of Woodnook, who reopposes again.

And despite his best form coming when he has been allowed to dominate, Callan believes King Orchisios can also act from coming off the pace.

'He was very impressive last time around Lingfield over six furlongs and it was a very quick time,' said Callan.

'He's got a lot of pace but I don't think he's a horse that has to lead. We'll just see how he jumps off and take it from there.'

Maltese Falcon has been in rude health this winter on the all-weather but will not have the assistance of regular partner Nelson de Souza, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

Instead, he will have the dependable Eddie Ahern on board.

'He's got a very bad draw but I'll be hoping to get away well as he likes to make the running,' Ahern told At The Races.

'If he can overcome the draw and get away he would have a very good chance.'

Gerard Butler runs Bonus, last seen in Dubai and a Group Three winner back in 2003.

However, he has yet to win over the minimum distance.

'Bonus runs in the Hever Sprint over five furlongs, which is a drop back in trip with him and he has been drawn two of 10 runners,' the Blewbury handler told www.gerardbutler.co.uk.

'Bonus has settled back nicely into his familiar surroundings since travelling back from Dubai and hopefully can put his bad run in Dubai behind him and put up a good performance.'

(C) PA Sport