The race of the day, one of the best all year: a deluxe sprint attracting international talent. Last year’s champion, Lazzat – famous for the manner of his win, and infamous for his riderless lap of honour – is unable to defend his crown. But, in his absence, are understudies of considerable talent.

The first of them, Kind Of Blue, thrives on Ascot’s straight six furlongs on good or softer ground. He won the 2024 G1 British Champions Sprint here, and returned to action last month after a disrupted 2025 campaign with a very promising effort.

Our roan mare Flora Of Bermuda was an excellent third to Lazzat in this last year. She was also third in Kind Of Blue’s big win and in the G1 Sprint Cup at Haydock – a flared nostril behind Kind Of Blue. She’s admirably consistent, but disadvantaged by there being no G1 sprints in Europe confined to her gender.

She stooped down to Listed level to get her season off to a winning start, and she’s capable of winning if the dice roll in her favour.

We have a third possible contender to keep the prize in the Wathnan trophy cabinet: lightning fast Night Raider, who could be given the chance to add to his laurels if running well on Tuesday.