'This looks a perfect spot for him' - analysis and key trainer quotes for a tightly knit Challenge Stakes

If you stage a 7f Pattern race just five days after the only open-aged Group 1 over the trip in the whole year is run, you are unlikely to get a top-class field.

Ramatuelle, Kinross and several others would have had extremely strong claims had they bypassed Sunday’s Prix de la Foret at Longchamp to wait for this Group 2 opportunity.

But their absence leaves this a tightly knit affair, with only 4lb separating the top seven of these 11 runners on Racing Post Ratings.

It is only by 1lb that Noble Dynasty tops the rankings, courtesy of this year’s handicap win here and Group 3 success on the July course, and the way he subsequently blew the start and trailed the Lennox Stakes field throughout tempers enthusiasm for the ante-post favourite.

Royal Scotsman is just behind him, having made all in the Diomed Stakes and matched the career-high RPR he set when second in the Dewhurst here two years ago.

But he had his own way in front at Epsom and may not find it so easy to dominate a field which contains plenty of other prominent racers, including the remarkable Quinault, who is still on the up after ten wins in 19 starts.

Ten Bob Tony is a more obvious improver, a ready winner here in the spring who failed to stay a mile in two Guineas and ran a huge race back over 7f at Longchamp after a summer break.

He did not get the run of the race that day and may well come on enough to reverse the form with the winner Topgear.
Analysis by David Carr

What they say

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Jumby
This looks a hot race but there’s not much else for him this season. He’s been in good form all year so we’re hopeful again.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Noble Dynasty
He's in great order and we know he likes this course and distance. He fluffed the start in the Lennox Stakes on his most recent appearance but should be a major player at this level judged on his Criterion Stakes win.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Quinault
He's been running well and is in good condition, so we're very happy with him. He's won at Listed class on his last three races and he deserves this step up in grade.

Oliver Cole, joint-trainer of Royal Scotsman
We've had to bring him back and sort out a little niggle and get him ready for the backend. He's in great form at home. We're using this race as a stepping stone for the Queen Elizabeth II.

Christopher Head, trainer of Topgear
Seven furlongs is really his trip. The horse has improved from race to race since the start of the year and I feel strongly that he really came forward again with his win at Longchamp last time. He's adaptable in terms of ground and, like many of the Wootton Bassetts, he pretty much handles any kind of going.

Ed Walker, trainer of Ten Bob Tony
This looks a perfect spot for him. He's in cracking form after his highly encouraging comeback effort at Longchamp, where he was beaten just half a length despite getting less than a clear run. The more rain the better for him.

Tom Clover, trainer of Witness Stand
He's in really good form. He seems to have improved recently and deserves a chance at this level – his mark indicates that. He's gone well at the course before and he's pretty ground versatile. Hopefully he can shape with plenty of promise and go really close.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Read the rest of Friday's previews:

3.15 Chepstow: 'He looks to have a favourite's chance' - Fergal O'Brien out to extend fine record in Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow

3.35 Newmarket: Can any of the Aidan O'Brien fillies conquer unbeaten Desert Flower in the Fillies' Mile? Key quotes for Friday's Group 1

3.50 Chepstow: 'He's been brilliant for the yard' - can 'legend' Francky Du Berlais provide Bowens with more joy in veterans' chase?

Unbeaten favourite might have Ballydoyle's measure - but 80-1 about this lively outsider is frankly insulting