Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

Won the King Edward VII Stakes here last year, but pulled hard and faded when too fresh at York last time (36 days ago); with that run now in the tank a revival is plausible, though ranked 9 of 12 on our figures this looks a notably stronger test.

Thriving form — three wins in its last five starts, the most recent a convincing Group 3 success at Longchamp — but Best Secret returns after 48 days and steps up markedly in class; the galloping track suits a big, progressive type, though the 129 lb burden is a genuine test.

Wearing a hood for the first time and back after 84 days, Ethical Diamond's Dubai reappearance — beaten 6½ lengths — is best set aside given that progressive C&D-winning profile, yet our figures rank this 11th of 12 and a career-best effort may be required.

Consistent, well-travelled performer and former Hong Kong Vase winner, Giavellotto was 4¼ lengths back in third last time at Group 1 level, running his race without troubling the best — 84 days off could blunt his edge, though a top jockey returns and he handles today's conditions.

Twice a G1 winner and a former C&D scorer now back to his best, Goliath arrives on the back of a comfortable Group 2 success 20 days ago — form figures reading 1-2-3 in his last three — and handles today's distance and going well; the worry is that one rival has matched him closely in recent encounters.