SOFT ground should not unduly knock Estidhkaar off his stride when he takes aim at the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

This does not appear to be the strongest renewal of the coveted Group One on Future Champions Day, so a perfectly feasible argument can be made to suggest the young colt could be a cut above.

The Richard Hannon-trained juvenile has made breathless progress since his maiden was broken at Newbury in June, with a four-and-a-half-length rout of Aktabantay in the Superlative Stakes a clear sighter of his worth.

That run is especially significant as the runner-up has since shown up very well at the top table, while the ground was also pretty demanding at Newmarket that day - a factor which emboldens his chances for this.

Estidhkaar then went to Doncaster for the Champagne Stakes, in which he travelled a shade keenly which was perhaps caused by a lackadaisical early pace.

No matter, he still looked good enough and strong enough when it mattered to record a length-and-a-quarter defeat of War Envoy, who was only a length away in a Group One at Longchamp.

Despite his tender years, the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned colt already looks a bit of a street-fighter, so should be man enough to handle the exacting conditions at Newmarket.

Stablemate Ivawood has looked one of the best young guns on the block this year and really ought to be winning the vision.ae Middle Park Stakes.

Hannon has opted to stay over six furlongs with the Zebedee colt, who has the pedigree to stay further but has already shown a most destructive shift of gear.

Unbeaten in three starts, Ivawood's best performance to date was at Glorious Goodwood.

Although the strength of the Richmond Stakes was questionable, he zoomed four-and-a-half lengths clear at the line.

With connections adamant the more demanding conditions will not be an issue, Ivawood can sign off for the year in style.