Black Arthur, held in high regard by Justin Snaith, is to be aimed at the Investec Cape Derby on January 30 after the extraordinary performance he put up when winning a mile maiden at Kenilworth last week.

It was only his second start and he carried a kilo overweight yet he was backed down to odds-on. However Bernard Fayd’Herbe was obliged to drop back and tuck in near the rear after failing to get in from his eight draw.

The colt made up a lot of ground in the straight to hit the front 50m out and win easing up, seemingly with plenty in hand.

Chris Snaith said: “Black Arthur is basically a stayer but he has come to hand late and we don’t want to push him. We hope to have him ready for the Derby and he may run in the Politician Stakes three weeks beforehand.”

By Michael Clower

Picture: Justin Snaith