Road to the winner’s enclosure

WITHOUT PAROLE missed the 2,000 Guineas after suffering a bruised hoof and instead went to Sandown for the Listed Heron Stakes. Sent off the 4-6 favourite, following two easy wins in novice company, he saw off the attentions of Gabr for a three-quarter-length success.

The son of Frankel would then face his sternest test in the St James’s Palace Stakes, facing the Aidan O’brien pair of Gustav Klimt, Group 1-winning juvenile U S Navy Flag, and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Romanised.

Sent off at 9-4, despite his inexperience, the colt reeled in the front-running U S Navy Flag to deny Gustav Klimt by three-quarters of a length. Three and a quarter lengths separated the first two from Wootton in third, with surprise 2,000 Guineas runner-up Tip Two Win a close fourth.

‘Has improved from two to three onwhatwesawlastmonthand a repeat performance will make him hard to beat’