3.35 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group 1) 7F

Arizona: High-class colt who progressed from an impressive maiden win at this track to defeat fellow Group 2 scorer Threat in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but he was unable to match that form on heavy ground when fourth in the Prix Morny next time. Could easily bounce back from that on this better ground and should cope with this longer trip.

Armory: Top-class prospect who impressed when winning his maiden here in June and when bolting up in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown the following month. His latest victory in the Futurity represented a solid effort and he can be expected to step forward now that he takes his chance at this level. He looks the chief threat to Pinatubo.

Geometrical: Promising and progressive colt who made short work of Mogul to win a 1m maiden at Gowran last month and followed that with an honourable third to Armory in the Futurity where he was beaten by less than 2l. He has more to do at this level, but a creditable showing looks entirely possible.

Iberia: Looked a potentially high-class colt when he made a winning debut over this course and distance on Irish Oaks weekend in a maiden that has produced a number of subsequent winners. However, he was well held in the Futurity next time and that showing leaves him with plenty to find.

Monoski: Capable sort who has achieved a rating of 93 off six runs but has it all to do now that he moves up to this level against some top prospects.

Pinatubo: Outstanding two-year-old who is unbeaten in four starts and comes here off superb victories in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. He looks the best juvenile seen out so far this season and will surely take all the beating.

Roman Turbo: Smart sort who followed up his debut success over 6f on Irish Derby weekend with victory in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes. He shaped better than the final result when fourth in the Futurity last month and possibly the 7f trip stretched him that day, but it wouldn’t surprise to see him show up well.

Toronto: Followed up his maiden win with a respectable second in the Tyros Stakes but that run and his unplaced effort in the Futurity leave him short of the standard required for this race.

Conclusion

Pinatubo sets a high standard on the form of his last two runs and he is likely to take all the beating. Armory is a formidable rival and has also looked a top-class prospect this season. He can give the selection plenty to do. Arizona is interesting on his first try at this trip and might complete the placings.