SUNWAY was unfortunate to bump into a classy three-year-old crop last season, when competing with the likes of Jan Brueghel and Bluestocking. With an official rating of 115, the son of Galiway is top-rated in the line-up and holds obvious claims of beginning the season with a win.

He scored on quick ground in his debut win and was second in the Irish Derby (good), which suggests he is the one to beat, if anywhere near ready first-time-out.

CROWN OF OAKS holds leading claims of scoring second-time-out, following an excellent debut third at Newmarket last October. He powered home that day, indicating the extra furlong would be beneficial, and as a half-brother to several smart types (including Royal Ascot winner, Royal Oak), it would be a surprise to not land this maiden.

He is the only runner with group-race engagements.

MALYSTIC looks overpriced, returning to this venue. The Malinas veteran may be one of more exposed runners but he has form figures of 2, 2, 1 - including a win and second in this race.

Last season’s victory came from a 10lb higher mark and he could recapture that kind of form, having dropped in the weights. First-time cheekpieces could also provide a catalyst for improvement.

WHISTLE STOP TOUR holds genuine claims of reverting to form, following a pulled-up run at the Cheltenham festival.

A dual winner over fences this campaign, including at this track, the seven-year-old has scope for further progress, stepping up in distance here. The galloping nature of this circuit, coupled with a long straight, ought to suit well and he is likely to be involved at the business end of the race.

LAVIDA ADIVA delivered a career-best performance last time, scoring in a Listed hurdle at Kelso. The daughter of Champs Elysees scooted clear to win by nine lengths; the improvement likely to have coincided with a rise to three miles for the first time.

She acts of quick ground, and as a mare arriving in too form, it is likely that she plays a big part in proceedings.

Willie Mullins has a stranglehold of this prestigious prize, but it may be one his bigger-priced runners, who appeals the most. SPANISH HARLEM - despite to win from eight chase starts - delivered a personal best when sixth in this race last term.

He is 4lb lower this time around and could improve for the application of a first-time tongue-tie and cheekpieces combination. An each-way chance is well within his grasp - especially if showing any improvement on this likely quick surface.