Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1)

Given his first crack at 2m in the Dubai Gold Cup this April when he showed far too much toe for his rivals in a steadily run race; heavy defeat in France in May next time but, held up in rear with a hood added, he then emerged in a well-beaten third in the 2m4f Gold Cup at Royal Ascot; while that was well short of his best form and he finished 7l behind Illinois, this shorter trip boosts his chance of narrowing the gap.

Overcame trouble in running to snatch a handicap here (1m6f, good) in May; blinkered first time when continuing his relentless rise in a handicap at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm), passing 11 of his 15 rivals in the last 2f for a clearcut success; style of his wins offers clear scope for better still over 2m and, although further improvement is needed, it will be no shock if this lightly raced 4yo can mix it at this level today or very soon.

Sometimes hangs under pressure but he's a resolute galloper who races prominently and can make the running if necessary; superbly reliable since last May and although he's not yet won a Group 1, he's been second in three of them, including last year's St Leger and last month's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot; another leading role looks assured.

Made a big splash with three wins from four starts last term, notably with a 1m4f Listed success on AW; cheekpieces have gone on this season, with two solid seconds either side of a modest show in Bahrain; going down by a neck in Listed race here last time was easily his best turf form, over 1m4f on soft, so today's trip and likely ground pose major questions, but his form is not far behind that of today's principals.

Probably okay on any going; runner-up in last season's Irish Derby and third in the St Leger; those are the clear highlights in form terms but his always-prominent fourth of 12 in Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot last month in first-time blinkers was much more like it again; this is a new trip but he's stuck to his task well on those best efforts over 1m4f/14.5f.