Hugo Palmer is hoping that Ebro River can make the perfect start to his three-year-old career when he lines up in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.
His son of Galileo Gold, a 15/8 chance, was a three-time winner from nine starts last year and produced his best effort when landing the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, his first try at the top level.
Ebro River absent since October
Subsequently far from disgraced when fourth to Native Trail in the National Stakes back at the Curragh in September, he has been absent since finishing down the field in a heavy-ground Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere at Longchamp in October.
Ebro River will escape a penalty for his top-level Curragh success when he lines up in the Abernant and will receive as much as 12lb from his opposition, which includes Group 3 winner Garrus and progressive handicapper Jumby.
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Taking on older horses for the first time, Palmer is confident that his horse can do himself justice after a juvenile campaign that saw him come away as one of the best of the generation.
Newmarket expected to suit Palmer charge
Palmer said: "I think Newmarket should suit him as I'm a tiny bit nervous about his staying the stiff six at Ascot. That's not to say we won't go to the Pavilion Stakes next, but I'm very confident about him getting the six furlongs at Newmarket.
"I just thought it could be the right place to start him. If he goes through the three-year-old programme, he has to take on the best sprinters of his generation, of which he is one of course.
"I'm not sure any of the others in the Abernant can be described as the best of their generation."
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