Amanda Perrett's well-bred 4-y-o COGITAL has been frustrating to follow so far but he was well found in the market on seasonal return and shaped as though this step up in trip would suit.
He has now slipped 13lb in the ratings since receiving his initial handicap mark and although he doesn't look like justifying his 280,000gns price tag anytime soon, a race like this is more than realistic off a lowly 69.
Richard Hannon has dominated this race in recent years but he hasn't turned up for the 2019 renewal which will make Chester winner Full Authority the likely favourite. The son of Kingman was ever so impressive that day, but that came on soft ground and he has to give weight to Mark Johnston filly JM JACKSON on a completely different surface.
This speedy daughter of Nay Nay Never showed up well on debut behind a subsequent Class2 winner and will improve plenty.
This looks a hot renewal of the Henry II Stakes. Austrian School is a relation to the great Tiger Roll who will be shown in much better light back on good ground and last year's winner Magic Circle holds every chance following a pipe-opener on bottomless ground at the Roodee.
To add to this, Making Miracles, who bolted up in the Chester Cup also turns up for Mark Johnston but it is his top-weight and potential staying superstar DE EX BEE that takes our eye.
His second in last season's Derby is the standout form in this race and he showed a real appetite for the extended trip when doing it readily in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot.
Matterhorn is a serial winner on the AW and his victory over John Gosden's Wissahickon is form that could stand against anyone, but he is yet to prove the same horse on turf and Sir Michael Stoute's record in this race can not be ignored; especially after his success at York this weekend.
This race always throws up a few smart types and John Gosden, who trained the winner last year with Frankel Colt Without Parole holds solid claims with KING OF COMEDY.
Just like last year's winner, King Of Comedy holds an entry in the St. James Palace Stakes and he may just have laid out the same career path for the pair.
With Ryan Moore's ride Sangarius looking the likely favourite we are hoping to sneak a nice price on this one.
The form of History Writer's C&D victory back in September looks tidy in the context in this race and he has to go close off just 6lb higher. The conditions are again in his favour and his recent outing will have left him spot on for this.
Market support significant for a shrewd yard.
