Criterion Stakes Guide

T - Henry Candy

J - Harry Bentley

Limato's connections have always tried to push him to become a miler, but he is definitely a minimum distance sprint horse, with ventures over eight furlongs clearly never working.

When he switched back to six last season in a lower grade to gather some confidence, he came through with three straight victories - two of which at Newmarket.

His sire averaged seven furlongs and that is the distance required today, as he looks to better his fourth on return at York.

Time to produce what we know he can.

T - David Simcock

J - Charles Bishop

John Cook's stablestar appears to be on the wrong side of nine nowadays, and age is certainly starting to creep up on him.

Quick ground conditions are almost certainly not going to favour his course given the history he has on soft, and a slower surf would suit.

Owner may disagree but it is all in the form book, and hard to see him prevail even from box number one.

T - Mark Johnston

J - Frankie Dettori

Very up and down for trainer Mark Johnston who seems to get them right before they go wrong again.

Last but two in the Royal Hunt Cup last week at Royal Ascot, but did go there with an excellent win at York under his belt.

Smaller fields definitely favour him and a decent shout on the best of him form.

T - Charlie Appleby

J - James Doyle

Finished second to Dream Of Dreams in the Listed Hamilton Stakes at Windsor last time out, form that has gone onto trouble Group One level, with the latter finishing a running on second in the Diamond Jubilee.

This four-year-old son of Dubawi is also a dual Group Three winner - with both of those efforts coming on his two starts in France, and looks an active player in this.

Major claims on the basis of his profile.

T - Joseph Tuite

J - Sean Levey

Made his return to the scene with a good second at Leicester in the Listed King Richard III Stakes, but failed to come on for the effort next time out at Haydock.

Last of seven and failing to beat a rival was a real disappointment having looked prominent early on in the race, and the climb in grade would be the initial worry.

Plenty of work to do.

T - David O'Meara

J - Adam Kirby

Decent individual who has won ten races from 53 starts, but his form should not play a part in this top race.

Four starts since his last victory at Lingfield has not really seen him involved - finishing halfway down the eight-runner field at York last time out.

Too much ground to make up and plenty to find even if he is back on song.

T - David O'Meara

J - Daniel Tudhope

Good second in a Group Three at Haydock on heavy ground latest, and is one of the more luckier individuals who seems versatile on the going.

Holds good form with the likes of Beat The Bank [Queen Anne 2nd] from his return at Sandown and is progressing nicely this season.

This looks his best chance to win a race again.

T - Richard Hannon

J - Dane O'Neill

Must get back to his best after average return to the fold with his fourth-place finish at Ascot in May.

Won on his final two starts of the season last term and ran a good race behind subsequent Breeders Cup Mile winner Expert Eye at York.

All the signs hint that he has got what it takes, but game needs to be raised again.