Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes (Listed) (Str)

Posted personal best when landing Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June ut struggled in Group company since, including when sixth of 7 in Hungerford Stakes over C&D 34 days ago. Others more appealing.

Below par at Newcastle latest but had run right up to his best when third of 7 in Hungerford Stakes over C&D previously and would be a player if back to that sort of form.

Smart gelding who returned to form when ¾-length second of 5 in Criterion Stakes at Newmarket (7f, good to firm, 5/2) 83 days ago. Had wind operation since and warrants plenty of respect.

Found improvement when close second of 7 in listed race at Newmarket (6f, soft, 22/1) 27 days ago, suited by way race developed. This looks tougher, however, and the step up in trip isn't guaranteed to suit.

Won the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot and Hungerford over C&D last season and only narrowly failed in repeat bid in the latter last month. Backed that up with creditable third in Haydock Group 3 latest and must enter calculations here.

Acquitted himself well in a warm Newmarket maiden in June but proved disappointing on handicap debut at York latest and asked a bigger question now.

Going the right way and arrives on back of good fifth of 13 in listed race (23/1) at Deauville (6f, good) 47 days ago. Remains a maiden, though, and it will be something of a surprise if he's able to break his duck here

Smart gelding who has upped his game in recent starts, winning a 7f Goodwood handicap and backing that up with good second of 14 over same C&D (good to soft) 26 days ago. Well worth his place in this better company.