Key questions: can Constantinople emulate illustrious list of previous winners?

Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 3)| 1m4f, 3yo | ITV/RTV

Cross Counter, Crystal Ocean, Ulysses and Highland Reel are the last four winners of the Gordon Stakes, underscoring its status as a proving ground for top-class three-year-olds.

The Melbourne Cup, Prince of Wales's Stakes, Eclipse and King George are among the prizes subsequently won by that quartet, the kind of aspiration attached to the Aidan O'Brien-trained Constantinople.

Prominent in the betting for the St Leger, the final British Classic of the season in September, Constantinople appeared a slow-maturing horse of sizeable potential when finding only stablemate South Pacific too good in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot off top weight.

The mount of Ryan Moore, Constantinople is available at 10-1 for the St Leger and O’Brien, who won the Gordon Stakes with Highland Reel in 2015, said: “Everything has gone well with him since his good run at Royal Ascot. He's going there in good form.”

How strong will Jalmoud's French form prove?

A disappointing performance in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot is looking more like the exception than the rule for Jalmoud, who has since produced two solid performances in France.

The son of New Approach finished little more than a length third to Japan in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Bastille Day and now drops back in class over the same trip.

Jalmoud (left): broke his maiden at Newmarket in AprilCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

Trainer Charlie Appleby, who won the Gordon Stakes with subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter last year, said: “Jalmoud has produced good performances in France on his last two starts and has come out of the Grand Prix de Paris in good order.

“We’ve tinkered around with his distances this season and a mile and a half looks to be his optimum trip at the moment. A repeat performance of his last run will hopefully make him very competitive.”

Which mission for Spanish?

The performance of Spanish Mission will help tell trainer David Simcock whether the St Leger is his autumn target.

A general 12-1 for the Classic at Doncaster, the son of Noble Mission already has sound course form, having finished a close second to Private Secretary in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes in May.

A striking win by four lengths over the Mark Johnston-trained Nayef Road, who reopposes, followed in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket and Simcock has no concerns about the drop back to a mile and a half.

Spanish Mission: landed the Bahrain Trophy last timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

He said: “Spainish Mission has made good progress and this race will dictate which direction we go in. He’s got a 3lb penalty here but we think he’s improving.

“He’s dropping back a furlong from Newmarket, but I don’t consider him a slow horse. The St Leger is an option, but so is a new £1 million race at Belmont [Jockey Club Derby, September 7].”

What the others say

William Haggas, trainer of Dal Horrisgle
He’s won his last three and this is a big step up in class. He’s been a slow burner but has improved quite markedly with the step up in trip, and he’s going up again. This is probably a step too early but I feel we haven’t got to the bottom of his ability yet.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Floating Artist
He caught us by surprise winning his Ascot race but he never looked like being beaten. Earlier this year he was not finishing his races but looks to be going the right way now. He didn't come right until this time last year, winning his maiden at the track in August, although this is a way better race. He is in the St Leger so it'd be nice to see him running well to raise hopes of running there.

Leo De Fury: unbeaten in two startsCredit: Patrick McCann

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Leo De Fury
He's won both his races, a maiden and a conditions race, easily. This will be a big step up but I wanted to keep him to his own age group for now. We'll know where we are after this.

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content onracingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday