Western Hymn to call the tune again in Brigadier Gerard Stakes

Given how the race panned out it was a solid effort, and the return to this venue where he has won three times and been placed twice in five starts is a big plus.

Intilaaq open to further improvement

Intilaaq has won three of his six starts and remains an exciting prospect open to further improvement.

The Roger Varian trained colt was ultra-impressive when cruising clear to beat Master Carpenter by five lengths in a Group 3 at Haydock last August, but could never get competitive when eighth of 15 in the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan when last seen in action back in March.

Intalaaq is far better than he showed in the latter, has the potential to make up into a Group 1 performer this season, and looks sure to give Western Hymn plenty to think about if ready to roll on his first start for 61 days.

Time Test faces tough task

Time Test’s Group 2 win in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last September sets the standard , but he has to give 5lb to his main market rivals as a result of that success.

That is no easy ask on his first start of the season, and the Roger Chalrton trained colt comes into the contest on the back of a trip to Ireland for Sunday’s Tattersalls Gold Cup where he was pulled-out on account of the soft ground.

It makes for far from ideal preparation for what is a high-class renewal of this race, and Time Test also has a lengthy absence to overcome and looks opposable despite the fact that he is undoubtedly a top class animal and looks capable of making an impact at Group 1 level.

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Coral’s top tip: Western Hymn has a terrific record at the track and looks worth a wager to land back-to-back runnings of the Brigadier Gerard. Intilaaq is feared most ahead of Time Test.