Time to pick Red Bloom

In short, you need a good reason to oppose a filly with such persuasive credentials. So is there one in this case? Well, this is the first time Attraction has ever raced round a bend, but it would be clutching at straws to suggest she will struggle with it. A recent bout of coughing in the Johnston yard is slightly more worrying, but the main objection to Attraction is her skinny price.

Even money or 6-5 looks short enough based on her overall form, consequently Red Bloom at 5-1 or thereabouts looks the each-way value to upset the favourite.

Sir Michael Stoute has won this race four times since 1986 and this good-looking Selkirk filly has plenty to recommend her as she bids to make it five.

First off, she has Group 1 course and distance form to her credit after beating the subsequent 1,000 Guineas runner-up Sundrop in the Fillies' Mile here last autumn.

Secondly, she proved that she's trained-on well with a highly creditable fourth, beaten just over two lengths, behind Attraction at Newmarket on her reappearance.

And thirdly, Red Bloom gives the impression that her best is probably yet to come, as she had a slight setback just before the Guineas at a time when the Stoute team had yet to hit top form. Of the remainder, Illustrious Miss ran a blinder for third in the Irish Guineas, finishing ahead of Kinnaird, Secret Charm and Majestic Desert without ever looking like getting to Attraction.

She could be capable of further improvement, but along with Cairns and the unexposed maiden winners Aricia and Moon Dazzle, she needs to progress to make her mark at this level.

In summary, Attraction and Red Bloom look the two most likely to dominate the finish. There may not be much between them, but with Kieren Fallon to do the pushing this could be Red Bloom's turn to shine.

The pivotal question in tomorrow's King Edward VII Stakes relates to whether Rule Of Law can reproduce the form he showed to chase home North Light in the Derby just under two weeks ago.

African Dream has thrived this spring but has something to prove over this longer trip, while Five Dynasties ran well in the French Derby but may have been flattered in plugging on from well back.

Barati and Haadef are open to improvement, but Rule Of Law sets a high standard at his best and looks sure to take plenty of beating. Tomorrow at Ascot: 3.05, Rule Of Law; 3.45, Red Bloom.