Five to follow on Saturday

DOMINATION (3.50) looks the answer to the Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket on forecast quick ground that is right up the Irish raider’s street. Charles Byrnes’ stayer fairly annihilated his field in the Cesarewitch Trial over course and distance last September when the track was riding fast. Domination has since bolted up twice over hurdles and also won on the level at the Curragh. Sandwiched in between was a gallant second in a 20-runner affair at the Galway festival under more testing conditions. Favourite Tiger Cliff would be a popular winner for Lady Cecil and the top weight is closely matched with Nicky Henderson’s Lieutenant Miller on their Ascot Stakes running. French raider Smoky Hill has been a springer in the market but his form is on soft ground in Group races, which makes him difficult to assess.

On a star-studded card, Aidan O’Brien mounts his customary strong raid on this fixture. WAR COMMAND (3.10) is likely to be well supported to land the Dewhurst Stakes, with the seven-furlong trip looking tailor-made after his defeat over a longer journey in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. Godolphin’s Outstrip looked pretty smart at Doncaster and rates a serious threat.

O’Brien has kept OKLAHOMA CITY (4.55) fairly busy in recent weeks and he contests the Group 2 Autumn Stakes only seven days after his most emphatic course victory over a furlong shorter. He fairly bounced off the quick ground last Saturday and should enjoy similar conditions, with his earlier effort behind highly-regarded stablemate Geoffrey Chaucer looking none too shoddy.

DARWIN (2.05) is the sole three-year-old lining up in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes over seven furlongs and a repeat of his run in high summer when lowering the colours of Gordon Lord Byron would make him the one to beat. Godolphin’s Lockwood has won two of his last three starts and split useful pair Viztoria and Gregorian at Doncaster under easier underfoot conditions.

There are many familiar names going to post for the Coral Sprint Trophy at York and BACCARAT (3.30) should be in the hunt after his fine fifth in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup. The form already has been well advertised and Baccarat has scored on the Knavesmire over seven furlongs in the past, while also posting a solid sixth behind Tropics (slightly hampered) in the Sky Bet Dash over course and distance in July.