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| Sumita Pawar |
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Paddington
Paddington, the 5YO owned by the Shadwell Estate, achieved his first victory in Group 1 competition at Longchamp in May during the Prix d'Ispahan. The horse Light Infantry, who came in third in the Queen Anne, confirmed the success of the race. It seems that Paddington has developed his skills later in his career. Nonetheless, he will need to make further progress to triumph in this more challenging top-level event. Paddington has managed to win on various ground conditions, ranging from good to firm to very soft. However, he seems to have a preference for softer ground, so if the forecast remains dry from Wednesday onwards, it could pose a concern.
Paddington is a top-rated European 3YO colt, achieving this status due to his Group One victories in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace. He holds the highest Racing Post Rating in an Ascot Group One race since the 2014 winner, Kingman. Paddington has displayed his ability to win on various ground conditions, ranging from good to heavy. Additionally, he benefits from a 10lb weight-for-age allowance.
Emily Upjohn
The Oaks runner-up from last season has recently won in Group One races, including the Coronation Cup at Epsom. She has more experience at the top level compared to her main competitors, Paddington and Anmaat. With just five runs outside of novice company, there is potential for her to achieve a higher rating.
However, she will need to prove herself over 1m2f, as she has only raced over 1m4f in Group One races. It is likely that she will need to perform at her best to defeat Paddington, who has a higher official rating and a weight advantage of 7lb. It is worth noting that only one mare, Enable, has won the Eclipse since 2000.
Anmaat
The 5YO horse, owned by the Shadwell Estate, showed improvement and won his first Group 1 race in May at Longchamp in the Prix d'Ispahan. The horse Light Infantry, who came in second, also performed well in the Queen Anne race. It seems that this horse has developed later than others. However, to win this higher-level competition, the horse will need to take another step forward. It has won on different types of ground, but it seems to prefer softer ground. Therefore, if the forecast for Wednesday and onwards is dry, it could be a cause for concern.
Dubai Honour
The horse owned by Mohammed Obaida, a two-time top-level winner, has performed well when fresh in the past and consistently races at this distance. However, he has been defeated in all three of his starts in British Group Ones. He is most successful on softer ground. To challenge the top contenders, he will need to deliver his best performance yet.
The remaining contenders
West Wind Blows, trained by Simon and Ed Crisford and owned by Abdulla Al Mansoori, has the potential to perform better than the odds indicate. In the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot last month, he finished second to Pyledriver, only losing by a length and a quarter, which matched his best RPR of 116. Despite having to make up four and a quarter lengths from last year's Prix Dollar form against Anmaat, West Wind Blows seems to be improving and should not be completely disregarded. Aidan O'Brien suggests that Luxembourg, a stablemate of Paddington, is unlikely to participate.