Dick Francis, the steeplechase jockey turned crime novelist, wrote, ‘No matter what the weather is, farmers and racehorse trainers won’t be happy with it.’

William Haggas would probably prove Francis correct. Haggas has never made a secret of the regard in which he holds Realign; and, on all known form, this six-furlong sprint, the oldest handicap at Royal Ascot – invariably run at a frenetic pace – should be the perfect target. And yet… Realign won’t be risked on fast ground.

Britain has endured a drought and record temperatures in May, followed by the downpours of June. Until raceday dawns, who can be sure of the ground Realign is likely to encounter? If he turns up, he’ll hold as strong a claim as any of his rivals.

There’s also a chance that Wathnan’s 2024 Queen Mary winner will run. Leovanni has been very lightly raced since her big day and will be returning from a long period of rehabilitation. She’s run only once in the last twelve months. But she’s a class act.

The lightly-raced Evening Saigon comes here in good form for the Hamad Al-Jehani stable. This end to end dash might well suit him... down to the ground.