Princess Of Wales's Stakes (Sponsored By The Kingdom Of Bahrain) (Group 2)

Made it four wins from first five starts when impressive in Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) last term; missed the rest of 2024 and wasn't at the top of his game on either run this spring; something to prove but gelded since last time which could help him tap back into his earlier promise; two wins on good ground, unraced on faster; interesting.

Ready winner of Rowley Mile handicap here (1m4f, good) in May and creditable third in Group 3 Aston Park Stakes at Newbury (1m4f, good to firm) next time; stretched by 1m6f at York since and the drop back in trip is in his favour; however, he needs something extra to come out on top in today's company.

Beaten on last eight starts having gone 3-3 in 2yo campaign (including here and in Group 2); however, the first seven of those defeats were in Group 1 races, with some very creditable performances, and he produced another when third in the Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last month with Palladium just over 1l further back in fourth; leading claims.

Last season's German Derby winner (1m4f, good to soft) who was a close third of five on stable debut at Goodwood last month (1m4f, soft; Listed) before a solid fourth in the Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); he was about 1l behind Ghostwriter last time but could have more to offer for this top yard and warrants respect.

Won the Group 2 Royal Lodge (1m, soft) last September and has run well in defeat this season, including in the 2,000 Guineas and the Dante; respectable fourth when upped to 1m4f in the Group 2 King Edward VII at Royal Ascot (good to firm) three weeks ago and benefits from very handy 3yo allowance now taking on older horses for the first time; might not be far away.