Steinbeck tuning up for St James's Palace Stakes

AIDAN O'BRIEN has dominated the St James's Palace Stakes in recent seasons and Steinbeck can finally start to fulfil his tall reputation with victory this year.

The Ballydoyle handler has claimed six of the last ten renewals and, while Steinbeck may not have as obvious a chance as some of those winners, he still holds excellent claims of causing a minor surprise. The son of Footstepsinthesand made quite an impression when winning on his racecourse debut at Naas last May, but little has gone to plan since with a minor setback limiting him to just one other juvenile start, while another problem saw him make a late return this year.

Steinbeck was forced to miss the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but O'Brien opted to pitch him back into action in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh last month. He never looked like winning that day but he stayed on well inside the final furlong to finish a five-length fourth behind Canford Cliffs, who is in opposition again.

Steinbeck obviously has ground to find on Canford Cliffs and on a line through him, both Makfi and Dick Turpin should also be in front.

However, Steinbeck is a horse on the up and, having just his fourth racecourse start, there should be plenty of improvement still to come and he can herald his arrival to the big time.

The meeting gets off to a thrilling start with a top-class field for the Queen Anne Stakes. Last year's winner Paco Boy bids for back-to-back victories but preference must be for French mare Goldikova, who benefits from a 3lb sex allowance.

Freddie Head's charge has been an amazing servant, chalking up eight victories at the highest level, including dual successes in the Breeders' Cup Mile.