THE stage is set for a mouthwatering renewal of the Middle Park Stakes.
Norfolk Stakes hero The Lir Jet and the unbeaten Method are two of the top-class colts on course for Saturday’s Group 1.
The Michael Bell-trained The Lir Jet has finished second in both the Prix Robert Papin and Phoenix Stakes since his Royal Ascot success.
He was due to tackle the Flying Childers at Doncaster earlier this month, but Bell decided the Middle Park would be more suitable.
He said: “We just felt five furlongs on drying ground wouldn’t necessarily be his thing.
“We had the Middle Park as an alternative and, all being well, we’ll head to Newmarket.
“I’m sure it will be a very good race, but the horse is in very good form and good order, so we’re looking forward to it.
“Hopefully Newmarket will produce a nice, safe surface for everybody, which I’m sure they will.”
Among the opposition will be the exciting Method, who is 2-2 for the Martyn Meade yard this season.
The Meade team suffered a blow earlier in the summer when stable star Technician was forced into early retirement through injury – but they’re hoping Method can give them a major boost at HQ.
Meade said: “He’s doing his final bits of prep for that and, at the moment, it’s all systems go for Saturday.
“Everything is going to plan. He’s definitely on course for that. He’s fine and we’re hoping for a big run from him.
“It’s very exciting and we’d love to win that to make a miserable season a bit better.”
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