Alenquer (William Haggas) Rating (out of 10)

Declared a non-runner due to a dirty scope.

Baaeed (William Haggas) 10

Currently rated the best horse in the world, and although comparisons with Frankel irk his trainer, it is hard not to get drawn in given he is unbeaten in a nine-race career and is stepping up in trip for the first time at York. He has not been hard pressed at all to win the Lockinge, Queen Anne and Sussex Stakes this season, so has little left to prove over a mile and this is the next logical step. On breeding, being by Sea The Stars and a full-brother Coronation Cup winner Hukum, the extra distance could bring out even more improvement.

Dubai Honour (William Haggas) 5

Another from the Haggas yard and were he with anyone else, he would be heading there as a major contender. As it is, he needs plenty of rain to show his best, but should that occur he would be a credible challenger. Made giant strides last season from handicaps to finishing second in the Champion Stakes and a fine fourth in Hong Kong. Beaten over this course and distance last time out when seemingly facing a straightforward task, the ground was put forward as an excuse and he must have some cut.

High Definition (Aidan O'Brien) 5

One-time Derby favourite from the most powerful of yards and yet he will be sent off among the outsiders here. It looked as if it had got his career back on track when making Alenquer pull out all the stops earlier in the season, but he has been below that form twice since in the Coronation Cup and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Ryan Moore will have to be at his persuasive best on this one.

Mishriff (John and Thady Gosden) 7

Last year's hugely impressive six-length winner, he has not really reproduced those heights while at the same time running well. A line can be put through his Saudi Cup defence at he was covered in kickback from the word go and almost pulled up. Since then he has run with credit in the King George and the Eclipse and connections will be hoping for a case of deja vu as he was also beaten in those two contests last season before demolishing the field at York. While very good, we know he is beatable.

Sir Busker (William Knight) 5

Amongst the most consistent horses in training for a couple of years over a mile, it was finally decided to step him up in trip last time out when he was too game for Dubai Honour. That proved he stays the distance but it is one thing taking on a soft ground horse on fast ground and another thing entirely tackling Baaeed. He would doubtless be a popular winner, but the weights and measures brigade would have a hard task trying to explain it.

Native Trail (Charlie Appleby) 8

Last season's champion two-year-old who was dethroned by one of his own – stablemate Coroebus – in the Guineas. He got back on the winning trail in the Irish Guineas but for a while had looked in need of further than a mile, and so was the case again in Ireland. He got that chance in the Eclipse when he appeared to have no excuses in third behind Vadeni. Appleby initially suggested he was not a strong stayer over 10 furlongs, but he is being given the opportunity to prove his handler wrong. In any case, on all known form he is going to have to improve to trouble Baaeed.

Verdict

Any opportunity to see the best horse in the world should be cherished. It is unlikely to be reminiscent of the occasion 10 years ago when Frankel attracted a 30,000 strong crowd, but BAAEED stands tall over some very smart rivals. Breeding suggests he could even improve for 10 furlongs and taking into account how strongly he travels in his races, a performance not too dissimilar from the one Frankel produced is expected. Mishriff will run his race once more, but we may be closing in on the point when he has just had one tough battle too many and Native Trail might be a better bet for the forecast.