St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (Colts)

Ran creditably on soft ground once, raced on good/firmer otherwise; progressive colt who won the Solario as a 2yo and Craven on reappearance; might have collared Ruling Court in the 2,000 Guineas if asked for his effort a tad sooner, then gained compensation in the Irish version where he strode clear for an impressive performance that puts him top rated in this field; bids to emulate his sire Kingman and the last two winners of this race by completing the Irish Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes double; excellent credentials.

Tad frustrating in maiden races until improving for first-time tongue-tie at Gowran Park (1m, good) most recently, opening his account with a ready win from the front; faces a markedly stiffer task upped in class and is possibly in here as pacemaker for the yard's main hope Henri Matisse.

Ballydoyle colt whose record is 6-8; he is 2-2 over 1m, having won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (by a neck) on firm ground last November and the French 2,000 Guineas (by a head) on good ground last month; ties in closely with Field Of Gold on one piece of 2yo form; could well have even more to offer at this distance and is one of the main contenders, contributing to a gripping clash of Guineas winners; trainer has landed this prize nine times.

Has raced exclusively at the Curragh, most recently coming up well short in the Irish 2,000 Guineas behind two of today's rivals; progressive otherwise and comfortably bagged Listed honours the time before; may do better still but needs to prove he's Group 1 class and Henri Matisse is the stable's chief contender.

Recorded an 80-1 success in the Coventry here last year; finished in front of Field Of Gold on the Arc card but failed to confirm the placings in the Irish 2,000 Guineas most recently, coming home just over 5l behind that improving opponent; remains a very useful and consistent sort (form figures read 3212224) but needs a personal best to grab further Royal Ascot glory.