A Godolphin-owned, Charlie Appleby-trained, William Buick-ridden, Group-entered son of Sea The Stars. It’s fair to say there’s a lot to like about the NAP of the Day on Thursday…

EMPEROR’S STAR is unlikely to take up his entry for the G1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at The Curragh next weekend, but that – plus a pair of Group 2 engagements later in the season – shows how well-regarded the two-year-old son of Sea The Stars is. That and the €300,000 price tag.

Therefore, you’d have to imagine Charlie Appleby and Godolphin are disappointed with what they’ve seen so far.

He made a highly-promising debut in a hot maiden at Newmarket in the middle of July, finishing 1½ behind subsequent Listed runner-up Arabic Legend and over 3L clear of the rest of the field, before a bit of a no-show at Sandown earlier this month.

It wasn’t a strong race the last day, so it was bitterly disappointing to see the selection bomb out. However, it was desperately heavy ground there – and heavy ground at Sandown is an extreme test, so I think it can be forgiven and his introductory effort is better trusted.

A switch to the all-weather on Thursday should suit, and the Appleby yard is in much better form now (27% strike rate at time of writing with four wins from their last 15 runners) than it was earlier this term.

Of his 15 rivals for this 7f contest, I’d be most concerned about John & Thady Gosden’s newcomer Annafel, but to put it bluntly I’d be disappointed if the selection can’t beat this lot before going on to bigger and better things.