AN intriguing Dubai Duty Free Arc Trial at Newbury this afternoon could go to the progressive Dangerous Midge.

Brian Meehan’s progressive four-year-old was hugely impressive when winning the Old Newton Cup at Haydock Park under Merseyside jockey Martin Dwyer in July.

He landed the prestigious handicap by eight lengths, but disappointed when upped in trip in the totesport Ebor at York last month.

He takes his first step up to Pattern company in this afternoon’s Group Three contest.

He will have to be at his best to win but the drop back to 1m3f should suit and at around 8-1 he looks a decent each-way bet to favourite Rainbow Peak and other Group performers Godolphin’s Campanologist and last year’s Ladbrokes St Leger third Monitor Closely, who is now trained by Michael Bell.

Bell is expecting the four-year-old to go well after two reasonable runs following almost a year on the sidelines.

The Newmarket trainer said: “I think he’s absolutely cherry-ripe now. Provided the ground is decent I expect him to run to the best of his ability.

“It’s a competitive race but we’ve got the horse bang there now fitness-wise.”

Campanologist finished third in this race last year and despite having to shoulder a 7lb penalty he comes into the race on the back of two wins in Germany.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor expects him to put up another bold show. He said: “I have been very pleased with Campanologist this year and he came out his latest win in very good order.

“He ran well to finish third in this race last year and has won two Group One races already this season, so I am optimistic that he can post another big performance.”

TODAY’S NAP: Dangerous Midge (3.10pm Newbury).