I think a returning course winner can play a strong hand in the finish of this marathon race. ALIGN THE STARS won over 1m6f here last season, from a 1lb higher mark, so arrives as a well-handicapped individual.

The Sea The Stars gelding has shown flashes of coming back to his best this term – he wasn’t beaten far in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes, having sat too close to a strong pace. He stayed on nicely at Newmarket last time and looks to be primed for a good performance, stepping up in distance.

KING OF CITIES may be able to boss this small field around, with Ryan Moore the perfect jockey on top. The Dubawi colt has finished in the first three twice this term and handled soft ground well on their sole attempt. He has the ability to win this and may act better on the soft surface than main rival, Cosmic Year.

I can envisage ARISAIG being well supported in the market for trainer Charlie Johnson, who has made no secret that this race has been the target.

The course-and-distance winner was an unlucky fifth in Listed company here in May, and followed up with two good handicap runs from three attempts. Her latest runner-up spot ought to have teed her up nicely for this and that form has already been boosted subsequently.

Last season’s second, ASFOORA, appeals to run a massive race this year, following a fine fifth in the G1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.

That was her first run since a short break – so she could find improvement next time out, at a track which obviously plays to her strengths. She is also easily the top-rated in the race, with an official mark of 114.

CARRYTHEONE is one of the runners who should be the beneficiary of the recent rain on the Sussex track. The Michael Bell-trained eight-year-old won a strong handicap on soft ground at Ascot to end last season. He can be forgiven a modest effort first-time up this campaign, and if moving forward from it, holds genuine each-way appeal.

As stated previously, nurseries are devilishly difficult puzzles to solve. OLD IS GOLD interests me, having performed well in three 5f appearances, including a Conditions Stakes at Beverley.

The Mehmas colt raised his game, with a fine eighth in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. A rise in trip to this 6f looks a wise move and he holds legitimate claims for last year’s winning owners.

I can’t fathom why GRECIAN LEGACY is such a big price. Yes, there are numerous unexposed types in the race, but it’s worth ignoring his downfield Royal Ascot effort, when not appearing to stay the 1m4f journey.

His previous second to the reopposing War Hawk (who isn’t out of this either) gives him an each-way chance, from just a 4lb higher mark. Daniel and Claire Kubler arrive in decent form, too.