3.20 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) 1m 2f

Alflaila: Progressive and consistent colt last season, winning four from six, including all of his final three starts, once at listed and twice at Group 3 level from nine to 10 furlongs. Really pleasing comeback in Group 2 York Stakes, overcoming what seemed to be a steady overall pace to get the better of the useful My Prospero. Slight concern that he has gone well fresh in the past and regressed on second run, but trainer doesn’t seem worried. Will need to step forward again in toughest test yet.

Luxembourg: Very admirable winner of this race last season, having coming back from a significant injury, which gave rise to the potential he could really hit the heights this season. He has won a Group 1, making all in the Tattersalls Gold Cup under an excellent ride, but has been outclassed twice since - when no match for Moshtahdaf in the Eclipse and eight lengths off Hukum in the King George. Return to this course and distance is a positive, and he can be competitive again, though he might find one or two too good this time.

Onesto: Last year’s Grand Prix de Paris winner arrived in Leopardstown under the radar but emerged with credit after finishing just a half-length off Luxembourg. Like that rival, he struggled to make a mark in the Arc, before finishing seventh in the Japan Cup in November. Contrasting preparation this time around, having just returned one month ago to finish fourth to Inspiral in the one-mile Jacques le Marois. That was a positive performance considering this is his likely big target, but the feeling is that there may be more depth to this contest 12 months on.

Point Lonsdale: Having missed nearly all of his classic campaign, there were really positive signs he could emerge is a big threat in this division when winning the Group 3 Alleged and Group 2 Huxley on first two starts this term. However he has been found out twice at Group 1 level since and has plenty to prove now. Likely pace angle.

Nashwa: Three-time Group 1-winning filly seemed an unlikely participant in this contest at the start of the week but a pleasant surprise to see her make the trip. She has a big chance as well, coming off a career best run when only a length off Moshtahdaf, and ahead of Paddington in the Juddmonte International. Earlier in the season she was an impressive five-length winner of the Falmouth back over a mile, but her earlier top level victories have come at 10 furlongs, and this track, ground and likely strong pace could really play to her strengths. She arguably has the best form on offer and pending this isn’t just one run too many in recent weeks, she looks set to run big.

Al Riffa: NON RUNNER Announced himself as a top class colt when coming through to win National Stakes on this weekend 12 months ago but just two runs since, failing to reel in front-running Mashhoor in a Group 3 on his comeback but improving to push Prix du Jockey Club winner Ace Impact all the way in Group 2 at Deauville. That was a smart performance, for all that the winner may have been in prep mode, and he definitely has scope to kick on again now with just five runs to his name.

Auguste Rodin: Emerged as the great white hope for Ballydoyle/Coolmore this season when overcoming heavy ground to win the Vertem Futurity, but he has been an enigma this season - bombing in the Guineas before winning the Derby. Workmanlike winner of the Irish Derby since before bombing again in the King George, with no apparent reason for that effort. He clearly has the class, so can’t discount him, and if anyone can get him back again, it’s Aidan O’Brien.

King Of Steel: Just two runs last season, winning first time out before finding heavy ground too taxing in Vertem Futurity. Switched stables from Dave Loughnane to Roger Varian in the interim and remarkably nearly won the Derby on seasonal debut, having been withdrawn from the Dante after an incident in the stalls. Since then, he was a comfortable winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot before finishing third to Hukum and Westover in the King George. He looked to be outstayed in the latter, and connections are very hopeful 10 furlongs will suit him better. Remains lightly raced and with his big frame, he has lots of scope to come forward again.

Sprewell: Progressive colt at the start of the season, winning at Naas before three-length score in the Derby Trial Stakes over this course and distance booked his ticket to Epsom. A little bit unlucky there given he was knocked about when trying to get into the race but never really looked like he’d mount a significant challenge and that was more or less confirmed when he finished sixth in Irish Derby. Return to 10 furlongs probably a positive but needs to show plenty more.

Conclusion

Plenty of these have questions to answer, not Auguste Rodin, while King Of Steel hasn’t yet convinved he is fully up to this standard. For that reason, it’s worth looking down the market. There is a solid case to suggest Nashwa is a bigger player than odds of 11/2 suggest. She comes into this off a career best and should have her ideal conditions.