Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes (Group 3)

Effective at 7-10f on today's ground and a genuine threat at this level; his most recent run at Epsom was compromised by racing too freely, but a more settled display from draw 4 could see him perform much closer.

Fourth at Epsom last time on soft ground, performing to his usual level but beaten five lengths; winless in his last six and ranked fifth on our figures, though his Meydan form encourages and a trainer in good shape adds a touch of hope.

Comfortably our top-rated, he carries clear excuses for both runs this season — failing to settle at a longer trip on reappearance, then soft ground at Epsom last time; back to 7f on a sound surface without a penalty, he should be much closer to his best.

Rated third here and capable on his day, he acts on any ground at 7-8f and adds a tongue-tie for the first time; a 9l beating at Epsom last time is concerning though, and his standout Group 1 effort from earlier sets a higher bar than anything he has shown this season.

Three wins in her last five efforts proved strong prior form, but she was well off the pace and held last time; our figures place her sixth in the field and, with just nine days since that poor run, a quick bounce-back is essential.