'She looks in her prime' - Scott Burton says age is no barrier for star mare

For those looking for the season's best stayer, the only bonus race is the Gold Cup while with the sprinters there is the chance that Europe's best get swamped by the fly-ins for Ascot, none of whom is likely to take in both the King's Stand and the Platinum Jubilee

For those reasons I'll skip the stayers altogether and restrict myself to one speedster, with the improving Happy Romance getting the vote as one who is likely to run in more of the big sprints than many of the others on the list.

With the Epsom Classics upon us I'm happy to side with Piz Badile in the Derby but I don't think it's nearly as straightforward when it comes to the fillies.

I was hugely taken by Above The Curve in the Prix Saint-Alary on Sunday and although she won't be picking up any bonus points this weekend, she has the potential to develop past the Oaks principals. Could we see her back at Longchamp in October?

In a similar vein is Lionel, whom David Menuisier was talking of as an Irish Derby candidate well before he landed the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.

Charlie Appleby would appear to hold the key among the three-year-old miling colts but the time of the 2,000 Guineas was nothing out of the ordinary.

In any case, once Royal Ascot is gone, Baaeed could become a major block to any of Appleby's Classic winners, so I'd rather throw in a couple of fillies at the trip.

Rosacea was unlucky to get a severe bump in the French 1,000 and deserves to be judged on the searing acceleration she showed twice previously.

And although Dreamloper was very good at the weekend, I rather suspect Ed Walker could have another big player for this division with the four-year-old Primo Bacio, should she get a decent pace to run at.

That allows the luxury of three older horses set to be campaigned over middle distances.

Dubai Honour progressed in leaps and bounds last year and in any stable other than that of William Haggas, would be a front-rank star.

Hurricane Lane showed toughness to go with his class at three and Appleby appears to be working back from another crack at the Arc.

And is it possible that Grand Glory, who was sold last December as a breeding prospect, may be better than ever at six? Visually she looks in her prime and her new connections are now looking to play some shots, with the Prince of Wales's Stakes potentially next up.

Scott Burton's Ten to Follow

Above The Curve
Baaeed
Dubai Honour
Grand Glory
Happy Romance
Hurricane Lane
Lionel
Piz Badile
Primo Bacio
Rosacea

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