Even without The Lion In Winter this could be an intriguing Dewhurst battle between Godolphin's big beasts

What a race this Darley Dewhurst could still be, even without The Lion In Winter, with two Godolphin colts with near-perfect records and an unexposed Ballydoyle understudy standing in for his much vaunted, but now sidelined stablemate.

Despite the withdrawal of Aidan O'Brien's first string, Godolphin's unbeaten and hugely exciting Ancient Truth isn't likely to make it past his William Buick-ridden, Charlie Appleby-trained stablemate Shadow Of Light to the head of the betting. He made a deep impression when quickening past his rivals in the Superlative Stakes, a dazzling show which took him to the top of the Guineas market at the time – but that was three months ago. What have you done for us lately, Ancient Truth?

In Ancient Truth's absence from the track since high summer, Shadow Of Light has earned the position of the highest-rated runner in the race, a consequence of his devastating four-length success in the Middle Park a fortnight ago.