The ground is the key here. If the rain stays away Duke Of Marmalade would be a leading player but it is safer to side with favourite ZARKAVA. She did wonderfully well to overcome a slow start to cut down her rivals in the Prix Vermeille last time and looks to be a filly right out of the top drawer. She'll need to be though as this is a good renewal of the race. Duke Of Marmalade goes from strength to strength but the vibes from Ballydoyle are connections would be unwilling to run if the ground eases. If the rain does arrive their second string Soldier Of Fortune is a threat to all. He has been trained for this race all season, comes here fresh and with a ringing endoresement from Kieren Fallon. Vision D'Etat is an unbeaten French Derby winner so has to be respected but his form to date is hard to weigh up and it could be he has yet to beat anything of real substance. Youmzain is sure to run his race but will need plenty of luck in running in this big field. Of those at a bigger price, Papal Bull is perfectly capable of running a huge race but his quirks are beginning to outweigh his undoubted talent.
Youmzain (IRE) (9-7) Held up towards rear, headway when not clear run over 2f out, hampered over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, never troubled leaders, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Duke Of Marmalade (9-7) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jul.
Zambezi Sun (9-2) Tracked leader, led 2f out, edged right, ran on strongly, won at Longchamp 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept beating Schiaparelli (9-2) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Ask (9-7) In touch, driven to challenge over 2f out, not much room over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 12l behind Duke Of Marmalade (9-7) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jul.
Schiaparelli (GER) (9-2) Led to 2f out, ran on gamely when headed, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Zambezi Sun (9-2) at Longchamp 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Meisho Samson (JAP) (9-2) Held up, strong late run, 2nd of 14, hd behind Eishin Deputy (9-2) at Hanshin 1m 3f Grp 1 (1) gs in Jun.
Soldier of Fortune (IRE) (9-2) Mid-division, 6th and driven straight, ridden to challenge over 1f out, went 2nd 1f out, not pace of winner, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Youmzain (9-2) at Saint-Cloud 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) sft in Jun.
Duke Of Marmalade (IRE) (9-5) Tracked leader, led well over 3f out, challenged approaching final furlong, edged left and ran on inside final furlong, won at Newmarket 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Aug beating Phoenix Tower (9-5) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Papal Bull (9-6) Held up, no real impression from 2f out, 3rd of 6, 8l behind First Stream (9-6) at Cologne 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gd in Aug.
It's Gino (GER) (9-6) Held up, came wide into straight, effort and one pace, 3rd of 6, 8l behind Kamsin (8-9) at Baden-Baden 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept.
Red Rock Canyon (IRE) (9-7) Led, ridden and headed entering straight, no extra from over 1f out, 6th of 8, 6l behind New Approach (9-0) at Leopardstown 1m 2f 1000 gns gs in Sept.
Getaway (GER) (9-6) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, stayed on strongly, won at Deauville 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug beating Doctor Dino (9-10) by 1l, 8 ran.
Vision D'etat (FR) (9-2) Held up, effort over 1f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Longchamp 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept beating Ideal World (9-2) by a shd, 7 ran.
Kamsin (GER) (8-9) Held up in touch, led final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Baden-Baden 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept beating Adlerflug (9-6) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Blue Bresil (FR) (8-11) Led to over 2f out, one pace when headed, 5th of 8, 5l behind Russian Cross (8-11) at Deauville 1m 2f Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
Cima De Triomphe (IRE) (9-2) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, easily, won at San Siro 1m 2f stk gs in Sept beating Rastignano (8-11) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
Zarkava (IRE) (8-8) Missed break, soon behind, last entering straight, strong run from 2f out to lead final 50yds', won at Longchamp 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gd in Sept beating Dar Re Mi (8-8) by 2l, 12 ran.
