Verdict

DESERT POPPY is a filly on the upgrade and is worth keeping on the right side for the time being; Ocean Blaze is a threat at this level, while Equulus Pector has a bit to find with the selection but may get closer with if more patient tactics are employed this afternoon. Others with feasible chances include: Brandywell Boy, who will enjoy the conditions but does appear to handicapped to the limit after a successful period in June. A case can also be made for Cape Royal on these terms as the old-boy has a good habit of popping up when least expected. He can never be confidently ruled out at this level. However, they all lack the scope held by Desert Poppy and, as her form figures underline; this daughter of Oasis Dream is expected to be a real tough customer to deal with as she bids to follow up her smooth victory at Windsor at the start of this month - a 3lb higher mark isn't expected to be too much of a problem.

Formwatch

Solemn 10-1 (8-0) Raced center, with leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 7th of 19, 3l behind Masamah (9-1) at Ascot 5f hcap (2) gf in Jul.

Clifton Bridge 10-3 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Brandywell Boy (8-8) at Ascot 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.

Equuleus Pictor 13-2 (9-1) Led stands side trio, headed and one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Lucky Numbers (9-6) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jul.

Efistorm 11-8fav (9-1) In touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Galpin Junior (9-0) at Catterick 5f clm stks (6) gs in Jul.

Brandywell Boy (IRE) 7-1 (8-7) Dwelt, raced stands side, in rear, ridden halfway, hung left over 1f out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Five Star Junior (9-13) at Newmarket 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jul.

Desert Poppy (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Raced on rail, pressed leader, led halfway, hung left over 1f out, continued to hang left inside final furlong, held on well towards finish, won at Windsor 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul beating Solemn (9-12) by 1/2l, 10 ran.

Ocean Blaze 12-1 (9-3) Tracked leading pair, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 2 3/4l behind Brynfa Boy (8-13) at Epsom Downs 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.

Taurus Twins 33-1 (9-7) Led stands side, kept on, never able to trouble far side group, 5th of 15, 5l behind Evelyn May (9-1) at Haydock 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jul.

Cape Royal 7-1 (9-0) With leader, ridden 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Brynfa Boy (8-13) at Epsom Downs 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.

The Name Is Frank 9-2 (9-10) Made all, ridden and edged right over 1f out, ran on, won at Bath 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fm in Jul beating Titus Gent (9-13) by 1 3/4l, 11 ran.