Connections of Redford are growing in confidence ahead of the totesport International Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Trainer Michael Bell has already expressed his hope ahead of the race saying, 'he is certainly a Group horse in the making and I think he is still well handicapped off 99.'

Now racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred, Harry Herbert, has told sportinglife.com of his delight at the draw.

"He's drawn in four and if Royal Ascot is anything to go by that looks a good place to be," he said. "He's not a horse we have to have way out the back, Jamie (Spencer) just has to hold on to him and hopefully he'll be able to show his terrific turn of foot off a very fast pace."

Redford has twice looked impressive when winning handicaps at Doncaster and Newcastle this season, with a midfield effort in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot sandwiched in-between.

That was the second time he hasn't performed on good to firm ground, but Herbert is hopeful the son of Bahri isn't dependent on softer underfoot conditions.

He continued: "I thought he hadn't acted on the ground at Royal Ascot but Jamie got off him that day, and in front of all of our owners and the trainer put his hands up and said it was his mistake.

"He said, 'believe me he goes on the ground, I should have waited longer than I did, he's a hold-up horse.' That's why we ran him again a week later at Newcastle and he showed that day he's a fast-improving sort."

"He came back from Royal Ascot 100 per cent sound and he wasn't in anyway jarred, so we think he goes fine on fast ground. Having said that he has to prove to his trainer, owners and the punters that he does go on it."

Redford has reportedly being working well at home and Herbert confirmed he has wowed all at Fitzroy House recently.

"He's in great form. He's really growing up mentally and physically. As a physical speciman he really knocks your socks off," said Herbert.

"His work has been extremely good. He's lazy in the spring but he's working with real purpose now and we're hopeful.

"He's got to come late, though, and he's bound to give owners and punters a few heart-attacks on Saturday - be prepared for a tense moment or two in the final furlong!

"We think he's very good, hopefully a group horse having his last race in a handicap. That's the impression he gives and hopefully Saturday will tell us a lot more."

Redford is the 5/1 favourite for the race with Sky Bet.

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