Moody Rakti can lift spirits

Jarvis produced him in the peak of condition to power clear of a strong field in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot first time out, while a step back to a mile for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes late in September produced another top-class performance as he quickened away from Lucky Story.

The withdrawal of Chic due to drying ground leaves Rakti with one less rival to master tomorrow but those who have stood their ground include some proven international performers.

By some way the most intriguing is the Australian raider Elvstroem, who has made his way to Berkshire via trips to Dubai and Hong Kong this spring. Make no mistake, this globetrotting five-year-old is highly versatile and very talented. All distances between seven furlongs and two miles seem to come alike to him, and his wins in the Caulfield Cup and the Dubai Duty Free stand out as two highlights on a very impressive CV.

He should not be underestimated despite a poor effort in the stifling humidity of Hong Kong last time but quite a few of the British and Irish challengers have some sort of question to answer.

Hurricane Alan and Babodana did well to finish first and third in the Betfred Mile at Sandown last month but there is a gap between Group 2 and Group 1 level and the jury is out as to whether they can bridge it.

Mac Love is another who has never done quite enough to suggest he can cut the mustard against the very best, while Chic's stablemate Arakan is smart and reliable but needs to improve on anything he has shown thus far in order to play more than a supporting role.

Of the remainder, Tarfah has an eyecatching strike rate which masks the fact that she is in far deeper than ever before tomorrow.

Autumn Glory will probably need significant rain to be seen to maximum effect, while Grand Emporium has thrived on dirt in Dubai but remains hard to assess on his first run since leaving Mike de Kock to join Godolphin.

Which leaves Antonius Pius and Le Vie dei Colori. The latter is a proven force in top company and looked as good as ever at Leicester on his reappearance, while Antonius Pius is an extremely tricky ride yet remains a colt with massive natural ability.

First time out might just be the time to catch him but this year's Lockinge revolves largely around which Rakti turns up.

If he has one of his strops, then Robinson is in for a tough afternoon at Newbury. But if he channels his energy in the right direction after his break, then the 11-4 will look a very fair price indeed by 2.45pm tomorrow.