Manduro captured the feature Group 1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes for France 12 months ago, but this season's Gallic representative Loup Breton, winner of a Group 2 at Longchamp in April but no match for Sageburg and Darjina in the Prix d'Ispahan subsequently, does not look to be in quite the same class as Andre Fabre's versatile stallion and it is unlikely he will be taking the £213,000 first prize back across the Channel, even though Elie Lellouche's stable has been in tremendous form of late.

Godoplhin have a Fine record in this race, but the heavens would probably need to open for last year's Champion Stakes victor Literato to recapture his best, while 2006 St Leger winner Sixties Icon is undoubtedly better over further despite his facile victory over this trip at Goodwood last month.

Ask had too much for Hattan in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown on his reappearance and will strip fitter here and this step up in trip should hold no fears for Lockinge Stakes runner-up Phoenix Tower, who is less exposed than most, but Ballydoyle's Duke Of Marmalade still looks a worthy favourite.

Runner-up in last year's St James's Palace Stakes at the royal meeting, this son of Danehill went on to show himself much better suited by today's extra 2f in subsequent runs and, if anything, he has improved following minor surgery over the winter, running out a gallant winner of the Prix Ganay at Longchamp on his reappearance before comfortably outpointing yesterday's Queen Anne Stakes third Finsceal Beo and Red Rock Canyon in last month's Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh – the hat-trick beckons here.

The Group 3 Jersey Stakes gets proceedings underway on the second day and Stimulation looks a decent bet to return to winning ways. Hughie Morrison's Free Handicap winner was just touched off by Calming Influence in a Listed race at Newmarket last month, but may have been in front too long that day and, enjoying a 3lbs turnaround in the weights here, is fancied to have his revenge. He can also reverse 2,000 Guineas form with Dream Eater as 7f is undoubtedly Stimulation's best trip.

Heaven Sent can complete her hat-trick and notch a third success in the Windsor Forest Stakes for Newmarket trainer Sir Michael Stoute, whose Maramba looks likely to go off favourite for the Sandringham Handicap at the end of the afternoon. Makaaseb had excuses when a beaten favourite on her reappearance at York, however, and gets the nod in this.

With so much prize-money on offer, it is disappointing that Bryan Smart's Musselburgh winner Excellent Show is the region's only Group race entry to have stood her ground today, though Yorkshire yards are well represented in the Royal Hunt Cup. Richard Fahey's Extraterrestrial, successful in the Thirsk Hunt Cup and an arguably unlucky loser at Chester last month, may be the pick but he could struggle to beat apparent handicap 'good thing' Bankable. Fajr, at a big price, makes each-way appeal with Johnny Murtagh up.

Ripon's evening meetings are always popular and punters could do worse than latch on to Minority Report in the Boroughbridge Races Cup Handicap.

Dandy Nicholls's charge has not won since August 2006, but is beginning to look very well treated as a result. Considering he missed the break at Haydock six days ago, the eight-year-old did really well to get within three lengths of winner Farley Star at the post and a similar contest looks his for the taking in the near future.