Kate Midwinter: Back Precise to make it third time lucky at Leopardstown

“Although she has been beaten twice by favourite Blue Bolt this term, Precise (Leopardstown 15:55) could make it third time lucky back on home turf in this Group One contest. She was only narrowly denied by Rayif and Zeus Olympios when an excellent close third against the boys in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville last month and could still be improving.

The four-time Group One winner who landed the Irish 1,000 Guineas earlier this term is an excellent performer for Ballydoyle and has been hugely consistent following a below par reappearance at Newmarket this season. She possesses plenty of talent and ability and can pose a threat once again, with only half-a-length to find with her reopposing rival from when the pair last met in France.”

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Betfair Big Race Verdict: Back outsider to pull off St Leger shock

“With form already at 1m6f and winning form on good ground, Highwayman (Doncaster 15:35) at least has a couple of the St Leger boxes ticked. His season was in danger of going into a negative in four runs up until June, although it was somewhat bizarre to see him running over 6f and 7f.

O'Brien junior saw the light and upped him at Killarney - not exactly home of champions, but took his Maiden by 9L as if he was the Killarney Frankel. Next step was a new assignment in terms of trip at 1m6f at Leopardstown winning the Vinnie Roe.

That was a race I put some substance behind with the thinking regarding Piazza San Marco, so it's reverting to Plan B for me, and not a bad one to have as Highwayman won quite comfortably. Stamina on that run is clearly his forte as the Leopardstown left-handed turn can be quite tight and he was outpaced on the inside and pushed along.”

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Mark Milligan: Hmas Peth deserves to be favourite

“With William Buick over in Canada to ride Notable Speech in the Woodbine Mile, champion jockey-elect Billy Loughnane picks up several high-profile rides for Charlie Appleby, starting with Al Jabbar here.

This one looked very much in need of the experience when second on debut at Newmarket and should come on a bundle for that, but I prefer the claims of Adain O'Brien's Hmas Perth (Doncaster 13:10), who himself showed plenty first up.

That came when third to a nice prospect over 7f at Galway and the son of Justify looks sure to benefit from stepping up to a mile here. I'd actually have Hmas Perth as favourite and at [4/1] he looks the one to be with.”

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