Tuned-up Evasive can have his rivals singing the blues

The Godolphin blue can upstage Simply Red at Newbury tomorrow, courtesy of their recent recruit Evasive, who is on course to make a winning debut for his new connections in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at 3.10.

Mick Hucknall's band is expected to draw a crowd of around 26,000 after racing, by which time backers of Evasive will hopefully be singing the colt's praises.

It takes a decent three-year-old to beat his elders at this grade - Paco Boy being the first of his age to win this race for 10 years when successful 12 months ago.

But Evasive, bought out of Sir Michael Stoute's stable after finishing an excellent fourth behind Mastercraftsman in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, is a quality performer, and Frankie Dettori fancies his chances.

He said: "Evasive showed his potential when winning the Horris Hill over the course last autumn and, despite an interrupted preparation due to a foot injury, he ran a cracker to finish only four lengths behind Sea The Stars in the 2,000 Guineas.

"Arguably, this seven furlongs will prove his optimum trip and, being thin on the ground for classy three-year-olds, he is a great acquisition for our team and will be hard to beat."

The main threat may come from Balthazaar's Gift from the in-form Clive Cox stable. The six-year-old has not won since Dubai in February, but ran a blinder to be beaten only half a length by Finjaan in the Lennox Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Wherever Balthazaar's Gift finishes, then Regal Parade should not be far behind him, and it is significant that Adrian Nicholls has given up the chance of back-to-back successes in the prestigious Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon to ride the gelding for his father, David.

Regal Parade just held Balthazaar Gift's whirlwind finish at Chester and there was only a length between them at Goodwood but, when the cards fall right, Cox's horse should always prove the better of the pair.

Welsh Emperor's 13 victories include this race two years ago, but Tom Tate's veteran is a confirmed mudlark and the drying conditions are a big negative, while the rest are simply not good enough.