In an open renewal of this Group 3 contest the marginal preference is for THUNDEROUS, who was not disgraced when finishing fourth in the Hardwicke when last seen at Royal Ascot in June. The son of Night Of Thunder may improve for a gelding operation over the winter and the former Dante winner could bounce back this season. Ilaraab has strong form claims based on his victory in the St Simon over C&D last October, although he would have preferred more cut in the ground. Stowell remains thoroughly unexposed and he should not be underestimated on his return, while Max Vega and Raymond Tusk are the pick of the remainder.

Wild Beauty readily accounted for the subsequent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner in a Grade 1 at Woodbine last September, but her UK form either side of that performance is not quite as strong. With that in mind, preference is for JUMBLY, who was an impressive winner of the Radley Stakes over C&D last October. Her only defeat to date came when not handling the dip in the Rockfel at Newmarket and her pedigree suggests that she should only improve as a three-year-old. Shaara and Heat Of The Moment both merit respect having won their only starts to date, while Miss Carol Ann should not be written off after one poor run on soft ground.

Angel Bleu arguably sets the standard based on his two Group 1 victories in France last October, but the strength of that form can be questioned and so preference is for PERFECT POWER. Richard Fahey’s colt won the Prix Morny and Middle Park last year and on both of those occasions the son of Ardad finished very well. The step up to a flat 7f should not be a problem for the colt and it would be no surprise to see him go well this afternoon. Lusail disappointed on his final start last year in the Champagne Stakes but he should not be underestimated on his return.

SALEYMM was a shade too keen in the early stages of the Lincoln, so it is to his credit that he still managed to keep on for second. Making all the running is never easy in these big-field handicaps but if he settles better then a 1lb rise for his Doncaster exploits might prove too lenient. Rogue Bear was third, Irish Admiral fourth and Modern News seventh in the Lincoln and they could challenge, though a 1lb pull in the weights doesn’t really look enough, while The Turpinator shaped as though the return to a mile would be ideal when getting back up to score over 7f at Kempton on his reappearance. Migration did his winning over 10 furlongs last term before struggling in Listed company last time, but this could be an ideal starting point, especially if the early pace is too hot.

My Mate Ted was only beaten a head on his debut over C&D in October and could fare better now tackling faster than that heavy ground, but MY PROSPERO gets the vote. William Haggas’ charge will have gone into plenty of notebooks when blowing the start but coming home nicely for third on his sole start as a juvenile at Newmarket and five of the horses behind him that day have scored since. Thesis showed some promise when third at Sandown but hasn’t been seen since July, while the best of the newcomers could be Open Champion and Nawras.

Duelist took a step forward from his debut when fourth at Newmarket on his final start of last year and could go well following wind surgery, while Chef De Partie showed up well when a fair fifth on debut at Doncaster and could have more to offer. They look the best of those with form, but the bar isn’t set too high, so ZABEIR gets the vote. Andrew Balding won one division of this last year and won both in 2019, including with a newcomer that year. He evidently aims his useful milers at this contest so the son of El Kabeir, who may need further in time, could be the answer. Other debutants to note are Indemnify and Morning Post.

John Gosden won this last year with Glen Savage and may follow up this year courtesy of the beautifully-bred ALMUHIT. The three-year-old was slowly into stride and looked badly in need of the experience at Doncaster last month and he is now fitted with blinkers. This extra furlong should also be a positive. Lionel run with plenty of promise when second in a maiden here in October on heavy ground and he is open to considerable improvement. Berkshire Breeze is another who caught the eye on debut last year.

FRONTISPIECE signed off his campaign with a victory here last September and is taken to get off the mark at this first time of asking this season. Although he was given a 4lb hike for that success he clearly likes this track having won three times here in the past. Random Harvest is still unexposed having only had three runs to date and the Ed Walker-trained filly could be extremely well handicapped now upped in trip. Carp Kid is another to keep an eye on.