The Temple Stakes has become a proving ground for top sprinters - so who takes the eye this year?

Despite a dry spring, conditions at Haydock may not be quite quick enough for one of the lightning fast times the Temple Stakes occasionally throws up. Indications from earlier in the week are that Haydock has watered, so that the official description of good to firm, good in places is legitimate. With rain forecast overnight into Saturday, Haydock are leaving the last bit of irrigation to nature. Only if the rain misses are truly fast conditions likely to prevail.

The Temple Stakes is a major trial for Royal Ascot, although in the last couple of years it has been used less as a prep than a proving ground for emerging sprinters. That carries on this year, even though most of the market leaders are five-year-olds.

Rumstar has been reinvented over five furlongs since the autumn. He went on from a blanket-finish fifth in the Portland to win a Listed race at Ascot and the Palace House at Newmarket, the last two both representing career-best efforts.

American Affair won the Portland but has stuck to handicaps since. Wins at Musselburgh and York off marks in the 90s entitle him to a go in Group company, especially given neither track is especially friendly towards his late-charging style.

American Affair is likely to be prowling out the back with Mgheera. She is a hard one to assess, having taken a step forward on her debut for Ed Walker last time in a Group 3 contest at Longchamp. That effort gives her a real chance on Racing Post Ratings. The only strong likelihood, going by her profile, is for her to dawdle out of the stalls.

That is no issue when the pace is not strong, as is often the case in France. The chances of a poor start being fatal are somewhat greater here. The pace in this race is mostly central to high, and predominately from relative outsiders. Washington Heights is a player on form, and there is clear potential in Cornwallis second and sole three-year-old Grande Marques. Reappearing handicapper Law Of Average may be lucky to reach the front in this company.

The King Charles III Stakes, the race the Temple tends to presage, is still 7-1 the field, so there is ample room for these horses to force their way into contention. However winning this race would be an end in itself for most, with the exception of Starlust. That could make for the sort of pace that will equalise chances between front-runners and closers. If not, an established pacey sort like Washington Heights, who was favourite to beat Rumstar in the Palace House, could dent a few burgeoning reputations.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

Can American Affair take step up in class in his stride?

American Affair, one of the most progressive horses in training last year, graduates to Group company after kicking off his five-year-old campaign with wins in Musselburgh and York handicaps.

The manner in which the blisteringly quick gelding has stormed through the handicap ranks to reach an official mark of 105 suggests he will take the rise in class in his stride.

"The only time he has ever failed is when we've stepped him up for the Ayr Gold Cup over six furlongs," said trainer Jim Goldie. "That's his only blip. He's a five-furlong horse, I think he's drawn in the right place, and I'm pretty hopeful."

American Affair came from a long way back to beat Jm Jungle at York but he is unlikely to give the front-runners a similar head start this time.

"I would imagine they will go very quick and he'll slot in just behind," Goldie said. "He's a good horse and is still improving. I hope they don't get too much rain, but it wouldn't necessarily bother him. I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't go very close."

What they say

Ralph Beckett, trainer of Starlust
He's in good shape and the five furlongs at Haydock will suit him well, but we expect him to need the outing.

Jonathan Portman, trainer of Rumstar
He seems well at home, and came out of Newmarket very well. I don’t want too much rain. Rob Hornby has had a sit on him since the Palace House and he's happy with him too. The big question is whether Haydock is as suitable a course for him as Newmarket and Ascot. He didn't shine on his previous trip there, but on the evidence of his Newmarket win he is an improved horse this year. He got stronger over the winter, and is in good heart mentally.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Twilight Calls
He should strip fitter for his debut for the yard at the Newmarket Guineas meeting. He seems to have come out of that in great shape and hopefully he can take a step forward."

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Washington Heights
He's put up two solid runs this year and goes to Haydock in great order. He's very tough and genuine and five furlongs at Haydock should suit him down to the ground.

James Tate, trainer of Electric Storm
She was drawn wide in France and missed the kick. I'm hoping she can bounce back here. She has a Haydock Listed win to her name and Danny Tudhope is unbeaten on her. She's won black-type races on both good to firm and very soft ground.

Ed Walker, trainer of Mgheera
I'm very happy with her, and she's come out of France well. I wouldn't want a huge amount of rain as that would tend to play against us and suit Rumstar. It's a quick turnaround from Longchamp, but I'm hopeful she can take another step forward.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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