'We think he's a proper horse - we're not going there for a day out' - who fancies their chances in the Superior Mile?

Opera Ballo’s absence among the Superior Mile final declarations means we probably lack a star this year. It is a stretch to say anyone in this field is destined for the top-class races that colt is, although that can change and there are many talented milers on show.

In the older group we have winners of the 2024 Joel Stakes (Prague) and Celebration Mile (Ice Max), plus the winner of this season’s Pomfret Stakes (Make Me King) and the ever-dependable Checkandchallenge, a solid benchmark despite his poor strike-rate. These runners have a form edge, but the three-year-old challenge should not be discounted.

Snow Master and Zeus Olympios are unbeaten after two runs apiece, while Fearnot, one of the most progressive three-year-old mile handicappers in training, deserves trying at a higher level. Excellent Believe also steps up in class, having landed a good 7f handicap at this track on the same day Suite Francaise picked up the Dick Hern Stakes by two lengths. Any of these youngsters may be capable of making the step up.

Perhaps a resurgent effort from Prague will be forthcoming. He was an eyecatcher in this race last season, keeping on into second after being denied a clear run, and proved his liking for soft ground in the Joel. This will be the slowest surface he has encountered since Champions Day last year, when he was sent off a 10-1 chance for the QEII after being supplemented.

Ice Max, the other Group 2 winner in the line up, is of major interest on the conditions as well. He split Persica and Queen Anne winner Docklands at Epsom in June and ran better than his finishing position implied when bidding to retain his Celebration Mile prize on unsuitable ground last time. Ice Max essentially crossed the line on the bridle when meeting significant in-running trouble at Goodwood and can kickstart a productive autumn.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Callum Shepherd, rider of Checkandchallenge
He’s drawn ten and has been falling out of the stalls but he jumped a bit better last time at York. He’s back at a level he can win at and he deserves to get his head back in front.

Richard Brown, adviser to Wathnan Racing, owners of Make Me King
Goodwood was a nightmare last time as he jumped and couldn't get any cover. Hopefully, there'll be more pace here. He's very consistent, running to a high level every time, and Hamad's [Al Jehani] horses are in flying form.

Dylan Cunha, trainer of Prague
He’s in the best form he’s been in all year and it looks as if he is going to get some ease in the ground for the first time this year. He’s drawn one and if things drop right for him I expect him to win. He was second in the race last year so knows the track well.

Holloway Boy (centre) wins the Superior Mile under William Buick

Prague (right) finishing second to Holloway Boy (centre) in this race last yearCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Jaber Abdulla, owner of Excellent Believe
He won well there over seven furlongs last time when it looked like this trip was on his radar. He’s well drawn [stall three] and should have an each-way shout in an open race.

Clive Cox, trainer of Fearnot
He's had a very productive summer. He was drawn very wide at York last time and still ran a very big race considering he was topweight. This is a step up in class and I hope he can continue to progress.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Snow Master
We think he’s a proper horse. He won well first time last year and then got niggles but he was impressive back at Yarmouth the other day. Haydock is my favourite racecourse and we’ve won the race before but we’re not going there for a day out.
Reporting by David Milnes

Read Saturday's previews:

1.35 Kempton: The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe favourite heads to Kempton - but her trainer warns 'this is very much a prep race'

1.50 Haydock: Plan B for hot Juddmonte prospect Publish as Solario absentee steps into stakes company at Haydock

2.40 Ascot: 'He's hard knocking and has done nothing wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if he won again' - analysis and quotes for competitive handicap

3.00 Haydock: 'I don't think we've got to the bottom of him' - all you need to know for an ultra competitive Old Borough Cup

3.15 Ascot: 'He's a lovely, big horse who has a huge future' - who can come out on top in competitive £100,000 handicap?

3.35 Haydock: 'This has always been her big aim' - is this Group 1 winner being overlooked in the Sprint Cup?

Big Race Breakdown: A tough division for punters now gets even tougher - but this progressive filly could be the one to pick out of the chaos

The Big Story: 'He needs to fire back, he needs to prove he's the best' - it's time for the real Lazzat to stand up