Longines Sagaro Stakes (Group 3)

Was very progressive last season although that progression never really hinted at him having the ability to win a Classic, which he did when winning the St Leger. A strong and true pace saw him to best effect that day and whilst he might not be the best winner of the world's oldest classic, he is a thorough stayer who still looks to have improvement to come.

Group races have generally seen him come up short but he's handicapped to the hilt and connections probably don't have many options but to give him another try at this level. Looks sure to give it a good shot but past record tempers enthusiasm and is zero from three off 150+ day breaks.

Could well get the run of the race here looking to be the sole pace angle in the field. Won back-to-back staying events in France last year (the latter a Group 2) and ran a couple of creditable races after that again in Group class. Dangerous if he gets an easy lead here and is allowed to set his own fractions.

Not the easiest of customers (usually pre-race) but is still a smart performer over staying trips. Has to be respected as he won on his return last year and that's not the first time he's run well when fresh. Didn't quite match his comeback form after that but hard to discount here around a course that he has run well before.

An improving filly during the 2015 and 2016 (early part) seasons and she showed her best form when completing a five-timer in an Ayr Listed contest over 1m2f. Highly tried after that with little success (ran in a Group 1) but has started to look as though she is starting to come back to form of late. Showed up well in a handicap last time out over the furthest trip she has tried (1m6f), but would still need to show more to win this.

His lack of wins on the turf (0/8) is a minus point for this one with all his best form and wins coming on the AW. Tried over this trip for the first time on his last run (has won over as far as 1m4f) but rather spoilt his chance with a slow start and not for the first time in his career. Something to find on turf at this level.

Progressive was the best adjective to describe this filly last year as she whizzed through the handicap and was incredibly well-in when winning the Cesarewitch over 2m2f at Newmarket. She needs to make further progress to become a Cup horse this year but is a real stayer and makes an interesting contender stepping up to Group class for the second time.