Longchamp

A fascinating contest and one in which tactics will likely be key. Ancient Egypt and Limestone are candidates for adopting the front-running role but both will have to improve to win in this grade. Maltese Cross, who arrives from a fine second placing in a soft-ground Derby and has been given plenty of time to get over those exertions, won't mind a sounder surface but narrow preference is for ALAM. The Mikel Delzangles-trained colt turned in his best effort when fifth from stall 16 in the Jockey Club and his pedigree suggests he'll be suited by the step up to this trip. That form has been franked in the Eclipse and he's capable of better. Varandir is more about potential and, although he's up in grade, he's not had a hard race recently and it wouldn't surprise to see him go close. King Edward VII winner Causeway is a progressive sort who should also go well. [Richard Young]