Most of these represent the Maktoum's so it's a surprise to find Frankie on board Ecliptic, on who he won at Salisbury in October and also when he disappointed in a Newmarket Listed event a couple of weeks later. BOLD SILVANO came to this fixture a year ago on the back of a Grade 1 success in South Africa and was incredibly impressive in beating Spring To Fame over 1m2f. Another long absence shouldn't be a problem and though the trip could be on the short side he's the class-act in the line-up and gets the nod. African Story, a genuine Group 3 competitor in France, made a winning start to his career here a couple of weeks ago with a comfortable victory over Barbecue Eddie. He should again take care of the runner-up but Derbaas could prove more of a threat as he's been competing at a high level. The much-travelled Shamalgan halted the long winning sequence of the very useful Alianthis when landing a Group 2 in Germany and though unable to cope with Dick Turpin in Italy when last seen in September he's one to keep an eye on.
