Noseda: Mile should suit Moon

Jeremy Noseda feels Fantastic Moon has earned his spot in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.

The Dalakhani colt has won his first two starts, most recently the Solario Stakes at Sandown, beating Royal Ascot winner Tha'ir in the process.

His first two victories were achieved over seven furlongs but the Shalfleet handler thinks the step up to a mile will see him in an even better light.

"He is proving to be a progressive colt and will appreciate stepping up from seven furlongs to a mile," said Noseda.

"It is another rise in grade for him but he has more than earned the right to be in the race.

"He has won both of his races on quick ground, but I don't think it (ground) is an issue with him."

The in-form John Gosden runs Excess Knowledge who won a Sandown maiden on his debut before progressing to finish second in a Listed race at Newbury.

Owner Khalid Abdullah did have the likes of Dundonnell and Ashdan entered in this but relies on the Monsun colt.

"Excess Knowledge worked really nicely on Wednesday and looks like a progressive horse, not only for this year but for next year as well. We were pleased with his run last time at Newbury," said Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe.

Peter Chapple-Hyam's form has been better of late and he runs Mocenigo.

Mocenigo was fourth to Fantastic Moon in the Solario on fast ground and the trainer is hoping for a bit more juice in the surface at the weekend.

"He's a nice horse - the ground was too firm at Sandown, I shouldn't have run him and it was my fault," Chapple-Hyam told At The Races.

"We tried to gallop them into the ground, which didn't work as he wouldn't really let himself go.

"He likes a bit of ease in the ground and it should be good ground, which will help him better.

"I think he's definitely capable of winning a Group race and a mile will suit him."