13:50 Newmarket

A small but select field for the Criterion Stakes this year and it is good to see Pogo lining up to try and defend his crown. He is an admirable horse but he struggled on return behind Triple Time at Royal Ascot last week and will need to bounce back in a big way to take this. I prefer the improving ALDAARY for Shadwell. This son of Territories completed a hat-trick of wins impressively at Haydock over a year ago and given he won fresh a couple of years ago fitness shouldn’t be an issue. He could still be open to further improvement and will likely be very difficult to beat. Jumby won in good style at Haydock when last seen and isn’t entirely out of this either but on the balance probably needs more.

Aldaary - 1pt @ 7/4

15:42 Chester

I thought EQUATORIAL would be shorter than 15/8 following that impressive display to open his account by 4 and a half lengths at Salisbury earlier this month. He ran on strongly and was much the best under David Egan. He goes handicapping now but a mark of 93 could be lenient and if he improves again on what is just his fourth start he is definitely the most likely winner under Franny Norton. Seeking Gold disappointed at Goodwood last month but it is still early days so he definitely has claims as well. Misty Blues has some strong form to her name so if she improves from 2 to 3 she is another one that could run well in this. She will probably need the run but might be one to keep an eye on going forward.

Equatorial - 1pt @ 15/8