TimeformBlog

Debussy improved again last year for John Gosden, victory in the Arlington Million being the highlight. Very disappointing both starts at Meydan this year and hard to know what he's capable of right now.

Jan Vermeer made rapid strides at 2 yrs, culminating in Group 1 win in France. In frame in Derby/Irish Derby last year and scope to do better still this term, not given a hard time on return at Sandown.

Planteur is a top-class French colt with excellent turn of foot. Won Prix d'Harcourt and Prix Ganay already this term when looking more straightforward than last year, and solid place claims first run over here.

Rewilding was below expectations in St Leger on final start at 3 yrs, but prior to that looked potentially top class and made winning return in Sheema Classic in March. Drop back in trip not ideal, though.

So You Think developed into top-class performer in 2010 in Australia for Bart Cummings, and very impressive when winning both starts for new yard by wide margins. Undoubtedly the one to beat.

Sri Putra was slightly flattered by second to Twice Over in Eclipse last year and not looked Group 1 horse otherwise. Even beaten at odds on in 3-runner event on return and easily passed over.

Twice Over was better than ever last term over 1¼m, landing Eclipse at Sandown and Champion Stakes (for second time) at Newmarket. Made winning return at Meydan but seemed beaten by more than 1m trip last time.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. So You Think
2. Planteur
3. Rewilding

Timeform's View: So You Think has looked just as good in Ireland this year as he did in Australia and the standard he sets is one his rivals despite their impressive collective abilities will struggle to match. Planteur looks the main threat, with the trip possibly on the short side for Rewilding.

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