Commander Collins is on course for the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas after pleasing connections in a work-out at Newbury racecourse yesterday morning.
Peter Chapple-Hyam's colt, winner of last year's Racing Post Trophy, was ridden by big-race jockey Jimmy Fortune in the gallop and was accompanied by stable companions Bienamado and Mother Of Pearl, who holds a Sagitta 1,000 Guineas entry.
"The work went very well," said Chapple-Hyam. "Commander Collins went very nicely. It wasn't a full gallop just a good strong piece of work.
"The horse has done well over the winter and is in good form now. He'll have another gallop at home on Friday then he'll go straight for the Guineas."
The going was heavy when Commander Collins won the Racing Post Trophy but the Manton trainer believes the son of Sadler's Wells is even better when conditions are drier.
He said: "He's a good horse and goes on any ground but I believe he is a better horse on faster ground, in fact, I know he is a better horse on faster."
Commander Collins is quoted the 4 to 1 joint-favourite with Enrique by Ladbrokes for the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas and is an 8 to 1 chance for the Vodafone Derby with the same firm.
Bienamado, supplemented last week for the Derby, is now set to reappear at York next month.
"Bienamado and Mother Of Pearl finished just behind Commander Collins - but that was the plan," revealed ChappleHyam.
"Bienamado will go for the Dante. Mother Of Pearl will gallop again on Friday and then we'll decide what to do with her."
Bienamado is a 25 to 1 shot with Ladbrokes for the Vodafone Derby and Mother Of Pearl is priced at 12 to 1 for the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas.
Officials at Carlisle are to inspect the track at 3.00 p.m. today to decide whether Friday's meeting can go ahead. Heavy rain has saturated the course and with more inclement weather forecast the chances of the meeting going ahead look slim.
Jason Weaver, who was suspended for 10 days under the "non-triers"' over his riding of Maladerie at Thirsk on Saturday, has decided against an appeal.
