Betfair Backs Opinions Superior Mile Stakes (Group 3)

Balmacara shaped with promise when third four starts back, and he has experience over today's trip and going to call on, but he arrives winless in his last five starts and a 63-day absence from stall three off 131 lb makes this a stern test.

Winless in his last five starts but Dancing Gemini's rating of 123 marks him as the one to beat here, and a return after 42 days off, experience over today's trip and going, and a weight of 131 lb from stall seven all set the stage for a bold bid.

Fondo Blanco showed he retains ability when runner-up last time out, and has run over today's trip, but two unplaced efforts in the runs before that and a ranking of seventh of nine on our figures make him hard to fancy at the weights.

Persica steps out just 14 days after a winning effort two starts back, and his third last time out shows he retains form, with experience over today's trip and 118 on our figures marking him a clear threat; the concern is whether 131 lb from stall one ultimately stretches him.

Back-to-back wins make The Lost King the one to beat here; he arrives on a sharp 16-day turnaround carrying a hefty 131 lb, and that weight could be the sole stumbling block to a hat-trick.