Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Group 1) (Str)

Arrives in a bid for a belated four-timer after an impressive performance beating Lumiere on fast ground at the end of last season. Proven over the mile and in soft ground so he's not to be dismissed but level of his form is a little below what's required here so needs a chunk of improvement.

Seven starts without a win over the mile is off-putting but there's no doubt he will love the ground here. Career best effort came at this course in 2014 so plenty to like about his chances but never quite cut it at Group 1 level, including when seventh in this race two years ago and his stamina is a nagging doubt.

2,000 Guineas winner last year and clearly well suited to cut in the ground. Form tailed off a little towards the end of last season though and has raced too keenly several times in his career; that has to be a concern on return from an absence but has some of the best form on offer.

Only one win from his last nine starts but finished an excellent third on Champions Day behind Minding when last seen. Has won on soft ground but the suspicion would be that he'd have preferred the rain to stay away. Has run well fresh before and good place chances if he gets a pace to aim at.

Failed to win last season but did endure some rather luckless runs where the races just didn't pan out for him. Will enjoy the rain but not won since 2015 now and he's probably a level below this class.

Soft ground winner at Royal Ascot last year and went on to record a Group 1 success at Deauville later in the season. Only just touched off by Minding on Champions Day when he had Lightning Spear in behind and comeback run at Meydan was promising when not beaten far, having done all the donkey work on the front end. Has the help of a pacemaker today and the field won't want to let that rival get loose so he looks sure to get a decent pace to aim at and conditions have come right for him. Owners won this last year and he's the one to beat.

Sent to this stable with pacemaking duties in mind specifically for this race. Not disgraced in a Group 2 race over a mile in France when last seen so the field won't want to give him too much rope but hard to fancy on the bare level of his form.

Easy winner at Newmarket last time and couldn't have won much easier but that looked like a weak race for the grade and her form is a level below what is required to win this. There could be plenty more improvement in her and she is proven in the conditions so has a respectable chance of landing this for a trainer who hasn't won this since 2003.