Moon bidding to maintain unbeaten record

Godolphin's recent purchase Lightning Moon stakes his claim for sprinting honours when he defends an unbeaten record in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The four-year-old, who has remained with trainer Ed Walker, has only had the three starts and will be having his first race since outpointing seasoned campaigners to land the Group Three Bengough Stakes at Ascot in October.

Walker reports Lightning Moon to be primed for a return to action, though he expects the Shamardal colt to be better for the outing.

"He's in great order. We're very happy with how he's done from three to four," said the Newmarket handler.

"What he achieved last year, especially in the Bengough, was pretty exceptional for a three-year-old against older horses and we very much hope he can step up again as a four-year-old.

"He's had seven months off the track whereas a lot of his opponents have had a run this season, which would be a little bit of a concern.

"I think he's going to improve for the run, but he's ready to get back on the course.

"It will be fresh ground. It might be drying a little bit, but it's not baking weather. Good ground should be perfect, I don't think he needs soft ground.

"It's really exciting and I am very grateful Godolphin left the horse with me. Let's just hope he can reward them."

Muthmir showed last season he is a smart sprinter on good ground, winning a handicap over the course and distance in tremendous style and then the Portland Handicap at Doncaster.

Paul Hanagan, retained jockey for owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, is praying the weather stays dry for the William Haggas-trained five-year-old.

"He's well, I've ridden him at home a couple of times and he's done well over the winter, I'm just praying the rain keeps away," Hanagan told At The Races.

"I'm really looking forward to him, I think he's really good, as he showed when he won the Portland that day.

"His form is strong, Goldream has progressed and he beat him at York. Everything went wrong in the Portland and to win the way he did was very impressive."

Marco Botti has always held Naadirr in high regard and the four-year-old, a Listed winner on the Knavesmire in September, got his season off to the best possible start with a half-length verdict over Astaire to claim the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster in March.

"Naadirr won his Listed race very well and this has been the plan since then. That race has worked out very well and it looks strong form," said the Newmarket trainer.

"He likes a flat track which is why we gave Newmarket a miss and decided to go straight to York.

"He won at York last season and goes there in good form. I hope the ground is good - there isn't any rain forecast before now and then, so hopefully it dries out a little.

"He has got the pedigree to be a proper sprinter and I was really pleased how he did physically from aged three to four.

"Everything he has done so far suggests that he is ready for a step up in grade and Wednesday will tell us whether we can then aim at Group Ones."

Astaire was second to Maarek in this race 12 months ago and bids to go one better on the back of victory in the Group Three Abernant Stakes at Newmarket's Craven meeting.

"Astaire is in great form and I have been pleased with him since Newmarket. It was a good confidence boost for him to get his head in front again," said trainer Kevin Ryan.

"He has a great record at York and is versatile regarding ground, so I would be hopeful that he goes there with a good chance."

Since enjoying her finest hour over this six furlongs in the Lowther Stakes two seasons ago, Lucky Kristale has not troubled the judge.

However, she showed distinct signs of a revival when fifth behind Astaire at Newmarket four weeks ago.

"Everything has gone to plan since her last run," said her trainer George Margarson.

"You had to be encouraged by her performance.

"She was a little far back and I think she definitely would have been in the first three had the race been run differently. The way she came home was very encouraging.

"We are looking forward to going back to York with her. A flat six furlongs is ideal and there should be plenty of pace on which should be perfect.

"Hopefully she can win or go close in this before going back into the big Group Ones."

Frankie Dettori is in the dark as to the claims of his mount, the French challenger Gammarth, but has faith in trainer Alex Pantall.

"Pantall is a good trainer, he wouldn't be sending him to York without thinking he had a good chance," said Dettori.

"It looks a good renewal but wide open, we'll see where he compares with the English sprinters."

Tim Easterby is hoping the ground does not dry too much as he is keen to get Mattmu on the racecourse for the first time this season.

The only three-year-old in the line-up and bidding to be the first of his generation to oblige since Sampower Star in 1999, Mattmu made giant strides when there was cut in the ground last autumn.

Second to Limato in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy, he won a Listed race at York and ended the campaign on a high with a Group Two triumph at Maisons-Laffitte.

"He's in good form. As long as the ground is on the slow side he'll run. If the ground's fast he wouldn't run," said the North Yorkshire handler.

"I should be running him in three-year-old only races but the ground hasn't been right for him when those races have come around.

"He'll go to Ascot (for the Commonwealth Cup) if the ground is favourable."

Richard Hannon would also like the ground to stay on the soft side for the Queen's Musical Comedy, who was runner-up in a Listed race at Naas on his seasonal debut.

"He ran a blinder when dropped back to five (furlongs) at Naas last time, but six probably suits him better and, hopefully, the ground will remain on the easy side as he loves those conditions," the Marlborough trainer told his website.

The Eddie Lynam trained Gathering Power is the sole Irish hope in the race.

The daughter of Kyllachy was a close seventh in the Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot in October and she finished fourth on her return to action at Cork last month.

Kieran Fallon will partner the five-year-old filly who will wear the silks made famous by Sole Power and Slade Power.