Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher have won four of the last six renewals between them and both were doubly represented in this until the defection of ante-post favourite American Pharoah. That leaves Baffert with only runner in One Lucky Dane, who needs to improve, while it's hard to separate the Pletcher colts. Both DAREDEVIL and Carpe Diem arrive on the back of impressive Grade 1 victories but the former boasts the highest speed figure of the pair and may just edge this despite a high draw. The Great War is related to plenty of winners in North America but Aidan O'Brien's Listed winner has a tough task in this company and the unbeaten Souper Colossal may provide the best chance of an upset.
Private Prospect (USA) 17-4 (8-10) In touch btw,outfinshd, 2nd of 8, hd behind Recount (8-6) at Arlington(USA) 7f 2yo Grp 3 in Sep.
Blue Dancer (USA) 5-2 (8-8) Vied,led,prevailed, won at Hastings Racecourse(USA) 1m cond stks in Oct beating Lord Rosberg (8-8) by shd, 9 ran.
The Great War (USA) 10-11fav (9-3) Soon prominent, 2nd halfway, travelling smoothly 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well to assert final furlong, easily,, won at Curragh 6f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Sep beating Tamadhor (8-12) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Lucky Player (USA) 11-1 (8-6) Headed, fought back, won at Churchill Downs(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 3 in Sep beating Bold Conquest (8-6) by nk, 9 ran.
Texas Red (USA) 12-1 (8-10) 4wd into str,drift in, 3rd of 10, 5l behind American Pharoah (8-10) at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 (1) in Sep.
Souper Colossal (USA) Evensfav (8-9) Drew away, ridden out, won at Monmouth Park(USA) 1m cond stks in Aug beating Wild Zambezi (8-5) by 6l, 7 ran.
Carpe Diem (USA) 12-5fav (8-9) Disputed pace,drew off, won at Keeneland(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 (1) in Oct beating Mr Z (8-9) by 6l, 12 ran.
Mr. Z (USA) 16-1 (8-9) Got through, willingly, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Carpe Diem (8-9) at Keeneland(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 (1) in Oct.
One Lucky Dane (USA) 7-10fav (8-10) Inside, drew off lane, won at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 2yo mdn stks in Oct beating Prospect Park (8-10) by 10l, 11 ran.
Daredevil (USA) 17-10fav (8-10) 4w in aim, comfortably, won at Belmont Park(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 fm in Oct beating Upstart (8-10) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Upstart (USA) 18-5 (8-10) 5w upper, mild kick, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Daredevil (8-10) at Belmont Park(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 fm in Oct.
Calculator (USA) 12-1 (8-10) Bid 3wd,2nd best, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind American Pharoah (8-10) at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 (1) in Sep.
American Pharoah (USA) 1-2fav (8-10) Inside, ridden out, won at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 (1) in Sep beating Calculator (8-10) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.