Preview : St James's Palace Stakes 2021 (Preview, 2021 Full Runners' List & 2020 Race Video)

The "battle-hardened" Highland Avenue leads the hopes of the much-respected Derby-winning trainer. 

“We have been pleased with Highland Avenue going into this race,” Appleby told the Godolphin website. “The wide draw is a slight disadvantage on the round course at Ascot but his homework has gone well.

“He learned plenty at Sandown and came forward again for that run, while ground conditions will suit him better this time. We are hoping that he can be a big player as he steps up to the big league.”

Among the other St James’s Palace Stakes contenders, Poetic Flare won the English 2000 Guineas in May and has since finished sixth and second in the French and Irish equivalents, respectively.

Godolphin and Appleby's other entry in the race, La Barrosa, returns after his sixth-place finish in the Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas. 

Another key contender, Poetic Flare returns hopeful to the track for his fourth Group One race in 45 days. Jim Bolger trained-Poetic Flare has already had a busy season winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, sixth in the French Guineas and second in the Irish Guineas and looks set to turn out again.

“It's been an extraordinary season, with just one real hiccup [at Longchamp] and another that was self-inflicted at the Curragh,” trainer Jim Bolger said to The National. 

Jessica Harrington’s Lucky Vega is a leading contender, after finishing third and fourth in the English and Irish Guineas respectively.

ohn Gosden’s rising star Mostahdaf, and Aidan O'Brien’s Battleground, Ontario and Wembley will also take their place in the starting gates.

Last year's Chesham winner Battleground arrives here fresher than most have not had a hard race in the 2000 Guineas, but the weight of support for him that day was telling, and this strong, lengthy colt is worth another chance at this more suitable track.