Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

Bit of an interrupted career to date but he did win a Group 2 at this meeting last year. Enjoys a bit of cut in the ground so would want some rain to arrive and he should come on for his most recent run at Newbury. Trainer has a fine record in this contest and has won five of the last seven renewals but the yard perhaps have stronger claims with Dartmouth.

Rattled off a hat-trick in 2015 but only won once since. Generally struggled at Group level and needs softer ground to be seen at his best.

Progressed with every start last season and entitled to come on from his run at Goodwood last time out. This is easily his toughest test to date but may not be done improving just yet.

Bit frustrating to follow having finished runner-up on six of his last eight starts and shaped as if amiss at Newbury last time when finishing a tailed off last of six. First try at Group 2 level and looks up against it.

Still clearly progressing and he was impressive when winning at York in a Listed contest last time. Loves fast ground and drop back in trip no issue, particularly if they go quick on the front ground. Needs another step forward but can't be ruled out.

Soft ground wouldn't have been in his favour at York last time but he stayed on gamely in the closing stages, benefiting from a fine ride by today's jockey. Entitled to come on for that effort and he's proven at this level so clearly looks like the one to beat. Trainer has won five of the last seven renewals of this contest.

Placed in both the Derbies either side of the Irish Sea behind Harzand last year and very unlucky to slip in the St Leger when unseating his rider. Ran well on return at Epsom behind brother Highland Reel last time and shaped like he would come on for that effort. Stays very well and if he gets a decent pace to aim at, he should be thereabouts.

Won a Group 3 at Newbury on second start this season, reversing the form with Chemical Charge from his reappearance effort at Doncaster. Well beaten behind Dartmouth last time but return to faster conditions should suit and he may not be done improving just yet. Each-way claims.

Winner out in Meydan twice this season, getting the better of Postponed in a Group 2 in March. Below form in the Sheema Classic later that month but ground went against him that day and he's better than what he showed at Epsom on his return to action. Each-way player if he can bounce back.

Progressive last year culminating with a Group 3 win at Leopardstown but he's been well below form since then and didn't show enough on reappearance at Naas to be of interest here.

Multiple Group winner who got his head in front at Chester last time. Very quirky sort who often races too keenly and carries his head awkwardly. Can't display those traits in deeper company now.

Dante winner last year and ran well in the Derby subsequently. Not disgraced behind Highland Reel in the King George but beaten out of sight in the Juddmonte International. Not been seen since and entitled to come on for this run; will need a fast pace to be seen at his best.