Sir Michael Stoute’s Midterm looks to get back on track in Friday’s Ormonde Stakes at Chester
Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old was fancied for the Derby last year before a setback and he has since failed to rediscover his early spark and was disappointing on his return
CONNECTIONS of Midterm are hoping he can bounce back to his best in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester on Friday.
The one-time Derby hope failed to go on from his early promise and was disappointing on his seasonal reappearance at Newbury last month.
However, he is reported to be back to form and ready to show his true colours.
"He had a couple of niggly things after his run at Newbury. It was a little bit unsatisfactory," said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah.
"However, his work since has been very encouraging and we think he's come on a lot for the run.
"We're looking forward to seeing him run in the Ormonde."
Among Midterm's rivals is US Army Ranger, who went on to finish second in the Derby after winning the Chester Vase last year.
Aidan O'Brien's runner was a neck behind Midterm in the Champion Stakes and was third to Air Pilot at Naas on his return last month.
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Another course winner in the field is Red Verdon.
Andrew Balding would be sweet on the chances of Duretto, if the much-needed rain fell on the Roodee.
"He's got a 3lb penalty for winning the St Simon Stakes. He's in great form and if they get any rain there, he'd go very well," the Kingsclere handler told At The Races.
Winning Story steps up in grade after taking the All-Weather Marathon Championship in good style at Lingfield last month.
"Winning Story won very well on his latest start and is in good form," Trainer Saeed bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com.
"His last piece of work went well and I am looking for a good run, although this is a tougher race for him."
