13:30 Newbury

Verdict

Last year’s runner-up Hamish looks sure to go well and last year’s narrow winner, Max Vega, might just raise his game again. However, they are opposed by two appealing 3yos who can emerge on top. Irish challenger White Birch has the higher profile, having been third in the Derby, and he won a good race on heavy ground early this season. Slight preference, though, is for SALT BAY whose two best runs, by a long chalk, were delivered on heavy going. The latest was at this track five weeks ago, in a handicap but against a smart winner, and he can now go one better.[Richard Austen]