Without Parole maintains unbeaten record

Following the frustrating defeat of Dash of Spice at Kempton on Wednesday evening, Without Parole provided the Top 40 Prospects with a welcome winner in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown twenty four hours later. John Gosden's charge was stepping up in class but was backed as though defeat was out of the question at the Esher track. The son of Frankel reportedly didn't enjoy the rain softened ground but it didn't prevent him from beating Gabr by three parts of a length. The runner-up was beaten around five lengths by Saxon Warrior and Roaring Lion in the Racing Post Trophy last October so the form looks solid. Expect further improvement from Without Parole on a sounder surface - I think he will take his chance in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next month and I don't think he will disgrace himself.

Magic Circle (11/2), featured in the Significant Sales section of AOTF followed up his bloodless success in the Chester Cup by taking the Group 3 Henry II Stakes in equally impressive fashion. Appreciating the slow ground, he travelled strongly throughout and could be called the winner some way from home. Once given the office by Fran Berry, the six year old galloped away to record a six lengths win. Very much ground dependent, talk of the Ascot Gold Cup is premature because he certainly wouldn't want it like a road. Indeed, I texted his owner Dr Marwan Koukash shortly after the race and he replied with two words.................. Melbourne Cup.