SATURDAY:

2.30: Strike Up The Band makes a quick reappearance after chasing home Masta Plasta in the Norfolk Stakes and is a clear form pick. However he had a hard race there and a safer proposition may be Titus Alone.

He looked a very smart prospect when sweeping clear to win at Redcar last time and his trainer has a strong team of juveniles.

King Orchisios, a good winner on his debut at Haydock, is also respected.

3.05: Doyen went off the boil last season but at his imperious best he will take the world of beating here.

He swept High Accolade aside when winning this race last year but it was his performance when running away with the King George which marked him out as an exceptional talent.

He should have the legs of Powerscourt and Gamut, who look the most likely threats, although Bandari may get an easy lead and remains a force when having a going day.

3.45 A huge field and Somnus deserves his place at the head of the market. He needed the run when fourth to The Kiddykid on his reappearance and sets a good standard here.

The current crop of sprinters are very much of a muchness but Cape Of Good Hope, Mighty Beau, Var and The Tatling ran respectably in the King's Stand Stakes earlier in the week and can do so again.

One-time Classic hope Etlaala did not show enough when dropped in trip in the Temple Stakes to warrant support here while Antonius Pius has the speed to make a sprinter but perhaps not the application.

Therefore a sporting suggestion is Galeota who looked a colt going places when winning at Epsom last time.

He should relish this drop to six furlongs and is one of the few in the race who is capable of considerably more than we have seen to date.

4.20: The Wokingham is usually a bookmakers' benefit but here we have Iffraaj and Soldier's Tale dominating the market.

The pair are both potentially Group horses in a handicap and are firmly on the upgrade.

The latter is not ideally drawn in one though and that is a concern so preference from the market leaders is for Iffraaj who will be out to blaze a trial down the centre of the track.

I cannot play either at around 4/1 though and instead suggest a speculative wager on Colonel Cotton.

He ran well despite looking in need of the race when fifth in the Vodafone Dash and will have the race run to suit him here.

He will need luck in running but at around 20/1 makes each-way appeal.

4.55 Another warm heat but such was the impression Notable Guest made when winning on his reappearance, he has to be followed here.

Sir Michael Stoute's charge was in complete control of a hot handicap from some way out and can progress further. A wide draw is not ideal but he looks a step ahead of the assessor.

So is Flamboyant Lad who was equally impressive when winning at Newbury last time. He is feared - along with gallant Zetland Gold Cup winner Blue Monday.

Epsom winner Crow Wood and Grampian are others who must be on the shortlist.

5.30: A good renewal of the race. Royal Rebel is a former Gold Cup winner but he is now nine and his form rather patchy.

Cover Up has won the event twice before and ran an encouraging race on his Sandown reappearance.

Al Eile developed into a very useful hurdler over the winter and ran well behind Vinnie Roe on his return to the level but he may have to play second fiddle to Dancing Bay.

He looked unlucky in this race last year and his overall form makes him a leading player.