ITALIAN racing is in the doldrums, and its diminished status is best exemplified by the achievements of Anda Muchacho this year. The name might not immediately strike you, yet he has won a pair of races in 2017, including a classic, that not so long ago would have credited him with being a dual Group 1 winner. Instead he is now the classic winner of the Group 3 Premio Parioli (Italian 2000 Guineas) and last weekend he added the Group 2 Premio Roma to his haul.

The only time he has tasted defeat in six starts this year was when he finished third in the now Group 2 Derby Italiano.