violets

O'Brien was dominant this season at Royal Ascot with his 2-year-old horses, and this seems to be another smart one. Soumillion was mighty impressed with Diamond Necklace, despite the slow start. He had a gear to spare. The ground was on the soft side that day, so testing conditions shouldn't be a problem. Exciting.

Afjan has clearly been held in high regard as they took a chance on him at Royal Ascot after his impressive debut. He probably doesn't want the ground to be too fast, as his performance on testing conditions at Longchamp last time out was very nice. He beat a horse who finished a close second on her next start in a Group 1.

Handicappers have been involved in Group 1 sprints multiple times this season, and Against The Wind could be underestimated here. His draw is kind of high, but if he handles the ground, I think he's capable of running a big race. He's shown potential group quality at Southwell and Thirsk in good handicaps.

Al Ghadeer has been unbeaten since his debut. He won cosily at Goodwood once again and will be heavily odds-on for this once again.

Croix Du Nord will win the Arc this year. He was heavy odds-on when making his return in the Japanese Guineas, but failed to win that day. He built off the performance and justified his odds in the Japanese Derby with a strong performance. To me, his performance in his prep for the Arc wasn't going to matter too much, as I know this horse will be better with a run under his belt. He managed to win against a solid French horse, which many fancy for the Arc, showing he handles the ground. The draw is negative, obviously, but you can't change it. It's Japan's year.

One Look is a horse I've been betting on for quite some time now, and he's been doing well this season, especially on easier ground. Twomeey only runs his horses in races which he genuinely believes they have a winning chance, and although this is a competitive Group 1, I'd give this runner every chance.

More Thunder's win at Newbury should be a little more respected, as he was the only one who was able to make ground from off the pace. He won easily and deserves this step-up to a Group 1, as many handicappers have done this season. He's drawn in the parking lot, but he'd be ridden patiently anyway, so it shouldn't be that big of a problem. The ground is more concerning. I'm hoping it won't become too soft.

I thought this could well be Topgear this season, but he's been disappointing since his seasonal reappearance. I think the ground was a little too quick for him, and 7 furlongs is his distance. He's drawn nicely and will have no excuses, so I'll give him another shot.