Five three-year-olds take part: all raced bar one debutante. Gee Sixty Two, Swilly Bay & Yemnaak will most likely struggle.
If the betting is to be believed this is a two-horse race.
John Gosden doesn't lack in any department when it comes to differing ages groups. His alliance with Godolphin will only boost the class of this string which is already exceptional. Royalistic is a son of New Approach out of a five-time winning mare who bagged a Group 3 contest when racing in France and competed at Group 1 on her final outing before becoming a broodmare. A highest official rating of 115 details a talent.
This Irish-bred three-year-old cost 150,000E at the yearling sales. He was made even money favourite on debut when racing over one mile at Lingfield. He was a touch weak in the market drifting from an opening price of 4-6f. In truth, he didn't have much go right displaying an equal measure of inexperience and talent. This extra yardage with be to Royalistic's favour and the experience invaluable. Looks a tough nut to crack.
The major threat comes from Mark Johnston's Kingsley Park Stables. Specialist is a son of Mastercraftsman in the ownership of The Goodmove Syndicate. On price tag, he was an inexpensive yearling at 26,000E. This bay colt has raced over varying distances - from 1m to 1m 4f. His latest run over 1m 1 1/2f seemed to bring some improvement. It wasn't a bad effort to finish a head behind James Fanshawe's Enfolding.
Conclusion: I can't say I'm greatly enthused about this race from a betting perspective. I'm not an odds-on bettor (unless there is something outstanding). Royalistic was fancied to go well on debut and things just didn't go to plan. It isn't surprising with debutantes. I would expect marked improvement and it would be a surprise if he doesn't beat Specialist. I can imagine Johnston's horse leading and if the favourite is slow from the stalls and still inexperienced you may well get better odds in running. A watching brief.