William Haggas is in sensational form but that doesn't stop him being sensible about the chances of a reappearing Addeybb in the Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on Thursday, May 26.

The eight-year-old hasn't raced since coming sixth in the CIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot last October.

Before that, the Pivotal gelding was a globetrotting star, taking three Group 1 races in Australia as well as the 2020 Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Yet a hock infection has impacted his preparations for 2022 and Haggas is wary of punters going in too heavily.

"He is a good horse and he has taken a bit of getting fit," said Haggas. "He needs this race in preparation for Ascot, but he is as fit as we can get him without killing him.
"I just want to see a bit of spark from him. He loves racing and it is a decent race."
Haggas continued: "There are two very smart horses against him and I guess we will all be in the same boat. John's horse (Mostahdaf) has had a run but he has a 3lb penalty.
"The other horse (Bay Bridge) is a typical Sir Michael improver and he will be very hard to beat as well.
"But as long as Addeybb runs a good race and looks like he still has plenty of ability, I will be happy."

John Gosden's son and co-trainer Thady says Shadwell star Mostahdaf, is hopeful of a good run from the Frankel colt chasing the four timer.

He said: "He had done well since he won the Gordon Richards. He won that well enough on the same track. He does carry a 3lb penalty in what is a very competitive Brigadier Gerard, as Addeyeb, as we know, is a good horse with a serious record.
"Mostahdhaf is a horse with a very good action and obviously won't want any extremes of ground, so the ground should not be a concern.
"We hope he will run nicely and not find any trouble in running which can sometimes happen at Sandown."
Meanwhile, Sir Michael Stoute will want more even more improvement from Bay Bridge who is unbeaten in four races.
"He is climbing into Group Class," said Stoute. "It is a very tough contest. He will run well but he has been off a long time and it will just put an edge on him.
"I'm not worried about the ground and we don't need any rain. He will take it soft and it will be good to firm at Sandown I think, which will be fine for him."