Dubai Duty Free International Stakes (Group 3)

A handicapper on the upgrade last season, winning at Ascot to show he handles 8-10f well in any conditions; returning after eight months on the sidelines, this is a tough test on his comeback against top-level rivals, though the trainer is in form and improvement looks likely once race-fit.

Just headed in the final strides at Navan last time, ¼l third in a Listed contest after being in a winning position close home — a strong effort; first-time cheekpieces for a horse who has landed at the top level in the past and is effective at 8-10f; that prior class makes him a serious rival here.

Moving through the race with ease before finding an extra gear to take a Listed contest here by six lengths last time, a dominant display that suggested he has genuinely stepped forward; effective at 10-12f on a sound surface and the step up in grade looks well within his compass.

Wore blinkers most recently at Gowran Park and raced far too freely, a pattern that contributed to a 7½l third and confirmed the tendency to run below his best this season; effective at 8-10f and today's fast ground suits his action, but winless in recent starts and with much to establish here.

Dropped down to a Conditions race at Gowran Park last time and produced his best effort of the season, asserting by 1½l against lesser opposition; landed this contest last year and has a strong overall record at the Curragh, effective at 10-12f on any ground — back in form and drawn low in stall 1.