If Cracksman were yours would you go for the Arc?

Pietro Innocenzi, The Edge

No. While I'm usually an advocate of striking while the iron is hot – plenty could happen between now and next season – and this year's Arc looks like being sub-standard, I agree with his connections who set out their stall some time ago. It's refreshing to see such a patient approach and hopefully it will be rewarded. On a side note, though, I wouldn't be getting carried away with the Voltigeur form. Runner-up Venice Beach is no more than a solid Group 3 performer, while third home Mirage Dancer still has just a Doncaster maiden to his name.

David Baxter, reporter

John Gosden, Anthony Oppenheimer and Frankie Dettori do not have to look back too far to remember Golden Horn's victory in the Arc in 2015, but why be content with one if you can have two? Cracksman looks tailor-made for some autumn ground at Chantilly in October and if Enable were not in the yard, giving the green light for the race might be slightly easier. Gosden and Dettori have spoken about the colt learning on the job, and that next year will be when he really shines, but if he keeps improving at such a rapid rate it will be worth striking while the iron is white-hot.

James Hill, The Edge

If it turns up soft at Chantilly, absolutely he should go for it. Looking at his Voltigeur performance, if the Arc were run on a big, flat galloping track like York you'd say he'd have a big shout, but the great event is usually as much about speed as stamina, so he would need a slowish surface to bring his power-packed finish into play. Many will feel the ideal race for him is the St Leger after that performance, but you get the impression connections have always held him in higher regard. John Gosden has said he's a horse for next year, but the temptation for a crack at the Arc is a big one.