'I'll be disappointed if he's beaten' - Rishi Persad joins our expert panel

Will Golden Horde have the measure of his July Cup rivals?

Jamie McBride, William Hill Golden Horde is arguably a touch shorter in the betting than he deserves to be, but that won’t necessarily stop him winning. If the ground remains on the softer side of good he’s possibly better equipped to deal with that than the likes of Sceptical and Khaadem.

Keith Melrose, betting editor I think his price is about right. The level is set among the older sprinters, Hello Youmzain is a likeable low-120s horse and that is pretty average as far as Group 1 winners go. Golden Horde has a good middle draw, too. Whether the pace is down the middle or, as I think slightly more likely, on the stands’ rail, he won’t be troubled.

Steve Parkin, Clipper Logistics owner It’s going to be a fascinating race but I fancy Hello Youmzain to just edge it for Kevin Ryan. He’s a big colt who should have come forward from Ascot and he might just outstay Sceptical and Golden Horde up the hill.