15:55 Ascot

I’ve been waiting for MONTASSIB to step up to a mile and this looks a great chance for him to get back in the winners enclosure. He won his first 3 starts in the style of a promising horse and he defied market weakness to win on soft ground at Goodwood back in May - the sign of a good horse to handle any ground. He went down just a length and a half in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot before backing that up with another huge run in the Bunbury Cup. He is still improving to my eye and must have a major chance here. Isla Kai continues to run well in defeat and might not be far away. Bopedro also has to be respected if building on that last run.

16:20 Newmarket

The improving LOVE DE VEGA looks poised to complete the hat-trick at Newmarket on Saturday. This colt by Lope De Vega made all in really good style last month to defy a lengthy layoff and despite a 6lb rise I think he can follow up. It’s obviously quite a quick turnaround but horses from this yard usually thrive on their racing and I’m confident he is the one to beat here. Star Of Orion is yet to fire this season despite having been backed on numerous occasions. This is easier though and he has first-time blinkers so might fare better. Mitrosonfire is a decent yardstick as well and he hasn’t been disgraced so is another one that could pose a threat at some point in this race. Ropey Guest ran huge in the Buckingham Palace and then backed that up in the Bunbury Cup but perhaps they caught up with him last time so perhaps best watched for now.