Akeed Mofeed
Expectations were high ahead of this season but a series of niggling setbacks have kept him off the track until now. Impressively beat Athens on his second start and finished further in front of that rival when behind a stablemate of the favourite in the Beresford. Should appreciate this test of stamina but this is a big ask for his first run of the campaign.
Astrology
Impressive in testing ground at Chester although it was hard to know quite what to make of that Dee Stakes victory with his principal rival withdrawn. Ran a fine race to finish fourth in the Epsom Derby but those exertions were thought to have taken their toll when he produced a laboured performance at Royal Ascot when an odds-on favourite. In light of that, it's somewhat surprising to see him asked to do the donkey work for his illustrious stablemate once again.
Born To Sea
Looked to have a bright future when making a winning debut in a Listed race and hasn't really had a clear run of things since then; returning lame from the Killavullan Stakes and pulling too hard at Newmarket on his return. Has settled better on his last two starts, however, suggesting that he may be ready to prove what he's capable of although this trip does raise question marks with his sire not as strong an influence for stamina as the sire of his siblings who stayed well and the formbook leaves him with work to do.
Camelot
Unbeaten colt who attracted rave reviews before he had even stepped onto a racecourse and he hasn't disappointed yet. He didn't persuade everyone that he was out of the top drawer when winning the Guineas while many were keen to knock those behind him in the Derby. It was impossible to fault this son of Montjeu at Epsom though and he appeared to win with a good deal more left in the tank. The testing ground is a question mark but it's inconceivable that he'll be beaten here.
Imperial Monarch
Finished well on top on his only start as a juvenile and made it two from two when impressing from the subsequent Epsom fourth in a trial at Sandown. Sent off a leading fancy for the French Derby but never had any chance in an absurdly messy race but did advertise his credentials when making up ground hand over fist once in the clear. Potentially very smart but is only the stable's second string and his participation is in doubt after connections discovered a pulse in his foot.
Light Heavy
Typically tough and progressive Jim Bolger runner who's a son of the same connections Teofilo. Landed the Ballysax on his second start of the campaign and successfully stepped up to Group Two company when lifting the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial. Should appreciate this stiffer test of stamina and, although the formbook leaves him with a mountain to climb, he appears to be the type that only just does enough so could have a good deal more to offer.
Speaking Of Which
Unraced as a juvenile but has quickly made up for lost time, building on a promising debut to record victories at Cork and the Curragh. The last of those may only have come in a Group Three but his nine length romp marked him down as a colt of some potential despite doubts regarding the form. Aspects of his pedigree give cause for optimism regarding the trip although connections may not risk him on the testing ground.
Summary
The ground is a huge unknown for all of the runners but it's inconceivable to think that the Coolmore team would risk harming the long-term future of Camelot.
He can, therefore, reasonably be expected to handle the conditions and should have little difficulty following up his Epsom success.
The participation of several of his rivals is in doubt but Imperial Monarch appeals as the likeliest to chase his stablemate home while a winning margin of under three lengths could be an interesting way to get involved as Joseph O'Brien is unlikely to ask his mount to do any more than the bare minimum.
