Sun Goddess is the obvious favourite — with her trainer responsible for the winner of this race in 2016, 2022 and 2024, and she holds excellent credentials after a blistering turn-of-foot to win a Curragh maiden. However, at such a short price, I’m loath to take her on. TOPAZ is one of numerous each-way challengers, who are completely unexposed. The Mick Channon-trained Persian Force filly made an eyecatching debut, when a staying-on second behind the reopposing Jolivette at Newmarket. She was clearly inexperienced that day, and she looks the type to have learned plenty from that first racecourse outing. She has a good, high draw, which may offer place prospects at big odds.

Like the opener, there is a short-priced favourite, who may win easily but offers limited value. WISE APPROACH is one of the more interesting each-way options at double-figure odds. The Group One winner hasn’t offered much in a pair of moderate runs, behind a few rivals here, but he may show improved form at this track. The Mehmas colt ran an excellent second (behind Charles Darwin) in the 5f Norfolk Stakes last season. A reproduction of that effort, now raised a furlong, would likely see him involved at the business end of the race.

I am not surprised that HOPEWELL ROCK has been well supported in the market, in the lead up to Royal Ascot. The George Boughey-trained son of New Bay has yet to win in handicap company but has shown significant promise — with his latest third at Newmarket working out extremely well. The two who finished in front of him that day, ran first and second over 1m6f here on Tuesday. The selection has considerable scope for progression, as an unexposed type.

In what may prove to be a race dominated by Aidan O’Brien runners — with obvious reason, as the front pair are already Guineas winners this season. However, they take out a huge chunk of the market, and I’m taking a flyer at a huge price, just in case my selection is capable of holding an uncontested lead. TIMEFORSHOWCASING made all of the running to win the G2 German 1000 Guineas last-time-out, following a downfield run at Newmarket. She ought to arrive with high confidence, and with little pace pressure in the race, may be able to run far better than her lofty price indicates.

SYMBOL OF MAJESTY is open for any amount of improvement, on fourth career outing and second handicap start. The John and Thady Gosden-trained three-year-old filly was a short-priced favourite for her handicap now, having won both runs previously. She ran far better than her fifth at Wolverhampton last month, when slowly away. Sher finished her race off well and ought to be better suited by an almost guaranteed quick pace to aim at. Dream Camp is one to keep on the right side of, on handicap debut at a big price.

I have been impressed with WATER TO WINE’S both easy wins — including when a four-and-a-quarter-length scorer on debut at Newbury. He beat a horse, who subsequently ran a mighty sixth in the G1 Epsom Derby, which undoubtedly boosted that form. He didn’t need to come out of second gear to win a Kempton novice event next time, but the authoritative manner of both wins suggests he is a classy horse. With the chance of further improvement, the Kingman colt has cement his massive potential here, by beating rivals with plenty of substance.

I’m taking a chance at big odds, on a horse who is likely to attempt to make all of the running, from an excellent high draw. Hailing from the Wesley Ward stable, BACIO has shown tremendous pace in winning three of his four starts. The speedball may be best on a downhill, tighter venue, and may be clinging on inside the final furlong or two, but he is selected to prove a spot of value. Ward’s Ruiva ran a fine third in the G2 Queen Mary Stakes on Wednesday, which augurs well, from a stable-form perspective.