When Nostrum returns to the track on Friday in the bet365 Mile at Sandown, he will be looking to establish his status as a top prospect.
After a disappointing campaign spanning three years and missing the first half of the season due to injury, the former Classic hope made a winning return in the Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket.
That was the only bright spot for the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt, though, as his season ended when he finished lame in the Strensall Stakes at York after getting stuck in the mud when finishing second in the Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood.
Now back to correct a few records, the son of Kingman has the opportunity to give his handler a fourth victory in the Group Two event after impressing his connections in the run-up to his reappearance.
“He’s in good shape and has had a good winter, so it will be exciting to see him back and what he can do,” said Barry Mahon. “He has won at Sandown before and that is a plus, we know he likes the track and it will be good to see him back. He’s been slightly frustrating, but we know he’s talented, so it would be nice to see it on the track. He’s had a pretty unremarkable prep leading into it, he’s been sound and moving well and the team there have been happy. Ryan Moore was happy last Wednesday when he rode him and it seems to have gone smoothly this spring, whereas last year we had setbacks and were always on the backfoot. Hopefully, the ground will be good and we get to see the true Nostrum.”