The Newmarket July meeting kicks off today with this race as the centerpiece.

Redwood is a worthy favourite on overall level of form. He’s been placed at this level or better in his last 7 runs winning the Group 1 Northern Dancer at Woodbine last September. His form arguably improved further from there when going down a 1/4 L to Joshua Tree again at Woodbine in the Canadian International in October. He was kept on the go when second to Mastery in the Hong Kong Vase and a fine second to Rewilding in the Dubai Sheema Classic underlines his appeal.

Crystal Capella will re oppose here having also run in Hong Kong and has 12 L to find. She only ran twice in 2010 having taken the Pride Stakes on her other outing. A pipe opener in a Listed contest at the end of May should see her should see her to strip fit for this.

Campanologist was twice a Group 1 winner in Germany last year but his form this year would look to be below that of last year. Having said that he wasn’t beaten far by So You Think at the Curragh and the ground had turned too soft for him in the Hardwicke Stakes when behind Await The Dawn.

Laaheb finished in front of Campanologist in the Hardwicke and comes from a stable very much in form. His trainer Rodger Varian is establishing himself as a force.

City Leader’s form has been boosted by Class Is Class recent win. Brian Meehan’s charge had a head to spare last time out over Class Is Class and it’s a timely reminder of a return to form.

Afsare got the trip last time on his first encounter over 12 F and Kieren Fallon will not have to worry about that now. He was a progressive three-year old whom Luca Cumani harboured hopes for.

Dordonge represents the classic generation coming off a win in the Lingfield Derby Trail. The form of the race hasn’t been franked and although this years three year olds are a good bunch it’s hard to see Dordonge making the jump in class required here. Buthelezi is the other three-year old in the field. Trained by John Gosden, it’s interesting to see him pitched in here. One wonders how he compares with his stable companion Nathaniel.

Four year olds have won the last four running’s of this and that trend may continue in the shape of Afsare. The stable has to overcome a bout of seconditis with four of the last five filling the spot but that trend may well be broken here.