Of all the performances recorded during this column's absence over the past two months, I’d say the most significant was that put up by Eternal (38) in a Saint-Cloud maiden.

I reckon Eternal is absolutely top class - certainly the best middle-distance prospect of all European two-year-olds this year. Owned by Prince Faisal, he hosed up in very fast time at Saint-Cloud and could have run faster if his jockey had asked. His jockey, Maxime Guyon, waved the whip at him very briefly a furlong out but then Eternal’s stamina kicked in and he went away again, so Guyon quickly put his stick down.

By New Approach, Eternal is built and bred to be more of a mile and a half horse than a mile and a quarter horse. He's also very well balanced, so I think Fabre will be shooting for the Epsom Derby with him.

Eternal will need supplementing for Epsom and the bookies don't even quote him for the race. But if you can get 33/1 or better about his chances you should take it.