It’s extremely hard to oppose the 2023 winner, TRAWLERMAN, who has won a Group 3, 2 and 1 this season. The G1 Ascot Gold Cup scorer has already accounted for the majority of these rivals, including Sweet William, who finished over a length behind the selection at York last time. Trawlerman gave Sweet William 3lb that day and should confirm that form, racing off level-weights here. The unexposed three-year-old Stay True may catch punters’ attention but he needs to find improvement of this rise in distance.

Admittedly, FIELD OF GOLD has to bounce back from a shock odds-on defeat in the G1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. It was a strange race, where runaway pacemaker Qirat clung on from Rosallion at a whopping 150-1. The downhill track may have proven his undoing that day but it was just a poor performance. I take his following break as a positive, as he’s had time to come back to his best. If he returns to anything like the form of his previous two sparkling Group 1 wins – he will be extremely hard to beat.

This Conditions Stakes may prove to be more competitive than the market suggests. The Godolphin-owned Words Of Truth is clear on ratings but has plenty of unexposed types to contend with here. I’m happy to take him on at the short price – with SIREN SUIT – who is open to bags of improvement after winning a Kempton maiden last time. His previous Ascot third was highly encouraging and holds genuine appeal.

KIND OF BLUE could repeat last year’s outstanding success in this race. The Blue Point colt has almost identical race records this campaign – with a fine third in Group Three company, followed by an excellent second in the G1 Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock. He was hampered that day, too, which bolsters his claims here, if able to obtain a smooth passage. A high draw could be beneficial here, with good ground anticipated. 

Australia filly WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY has made a highly promising start to her career. The dual winner has been kept to Group company this term, with a fine second in the G1 Irish Oaks the highlight. Her subsequent fourth in the G1 Prix de l’Opera was a solid effort, considering it was a couple of furlongs short of her best. The extra journey is likely to help her claims and she offers each-way hope at decent odds.

Improving three-year-old, CROWN OF OAKS, is one to seriously keep an eye on for his top stable. The son of Wootton Bassett has hit top form since being gelded – with form figures of 113 – including a course success over 1m2f. He was a respectable third off a higher mark at Curragh thereafter but could find further progress, eased to a mile. The high draw appeals – with those racing towards the stands’ side often advantaged over the straight mile on good ground.