Trends analysis

This has become a quality Group 1, so look towards those with an official rating of 117 or higher

Having said that, last year’s race saw a win for the 107-rated Eqtidaar.

However, the previous three runnings have seen the class three-year-olds to the fore.

Two of the four previous winners won their last starts by more than three and a half lengths and had also won at least 85 per cent of their starts.

The best guide so far has been Haydock’s Sandy Lane Stakes. The Group 2 has produced the first two home in this every year so far, with Quiet Reflection winning both races in 2016.

Verdict

We need to look at alternatives following Calyx’s defeat and an obvious contender is Jash. Second in the Middle Park Stakes, he’s classy enough with a rating of 118 and could be a third winner in this for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum.