A chance is taken that short-priced favourite and ante-post Epsom Derby market leader, The Lion In Winter isn’t at peak form today. ALPINE TRAIL appears a big rival, if able to build on his promising start to his career. The son of Dubawi stepped up on a pair of modest wins when scoring decisively in a Newmarket Listed race earlier this month.

TADEJ ran a highly encouraging fourth debuting in an Ascot novice race over 5f. That fine first effort is likely to be improved upon, with that experience under his belt. He ran three-quarters-of-a-length behind Wise Approach but may turn the form around, with the latter shouldering a 5lb penalty here.

AMERICAN AFFAIR was a huge improver last term, culminating in winning the valuable Portland Handicap at Doncaster. He returned in fine form this season, with an excellent success at Musselburgh, which can be upgraded after a troubled passage. A 4lb rise seems lenient, especially for a horse who could be heading towards group company.

MR KING appears a well-handicapped individual - he is 4lb lower than when placed in this class at Ayr last season. The dual winner in Ireland was strong in the market second-time-out this campaign, in the Thirsk Hunt Cup. He ran far better than his eighth position suggests, having raced wide on the bend and holding every chance a furlong out.  

ROYAL DRESS holds genuine each-way appeal, despite his double-figure odds. The James Tate-trained Night Of Thunder mare has a fine record racing fresh and could fine improved form, raised in distance. She is running beyond 1m1f for the first time but that may suit - her dam scored over 1m3f and she, herself, is a half-sister to a Group Three winner over 1m2f.

RAHIEBB was narrowly denied in a hot-looking Haydock Novice race, by Opportunity, who looks every inch a group horse in the making. The Roger Varian-trained Frankel colt was giving 6lb away that day and could easily bounce back, granted a likely prominent position, on a track which suits front-runners.