There is no denying a weight in evidence in favour of Delacroix, a dual C&D trials winner who has redeemed himself since an Epsom lapse and represents the team that has won this event 12 times since 2000. However, it is conceivable that the progressive ZAHRANN can eclipse the more established performers on soft ground which may help to bring about the improvement required to score on his first Group 1 attempt. Last season's third Shin Emperor may prove best of a strong older cohort. White Birch is respected too, along with Anmaat, bidding to become the first horse older than six to win this event. [Alan Sweetman]
