Godolphin talking up Poet

Godolphin are hoping Poet’s Voice will stay the extra distance when he bids for a second Group One success in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes.

Connections supplemented the three year old at a cost of £30,000 following his victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at last month.

However, the colt has never travelled beyond a mile although now he has learned to settle hopes are high that 10 furlongs at Newmarket will be within his compass.

“It has taken him so long to switch off that we felt trying a mile and a quarter at this stage is the right thing to do,” said Godolphin’s Simon Crisford.

“It was for the horse’s profile for the future and I think he will get the trip as he is bred to get distances.”

Gitano Hernando has missed much of campaign through injury but showed his well being with a comeback victory at Dundalk earlier this month.

Italian trainer Marco Botti said: “We have got him back at the right time. He had a setback in the spring and we had to stop with him but he won well at Dundalk considering he wasn’t 100% fit.

“He should be at his peak now and the ground should be fine, I would only be concerned if it was too soft.

“The Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Turf are still under consideration but we will see how he runs on Saturday and then formulate a plan.

“I’d still like to get him back to Dubai (World Cup) in the spring as I thought he was a bit unlucky last year.”