DESPITE initial suggestions, Santiago will not be going to Epsom this weekend: Aidan O’Brien had seven in at the five-day stage, and Santiago was not among them.

As it happens, there is at least one highly able deputy. Russian Emperor’s win in a fast-run and above-average Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot earned him the same 114 rating as Santiago, and he looks to have scope for more improvement at 12 furlongs. Vatican City, on 112 after his second in the Irish 2000 Guineas, is also promising, if less certain to stay.