Katie Midwinter's Saturday tips: Thequietman has big shout

Attempting this 1m6f trip for only the second time, this Charlie Johnston-trained contender is one to keep on side in this competitive staying contest. He had shaped as though a step up in distance would suit when staying on strongly over a mile-and-half earlier in the season, and he did all of his best work late on in his most recent start at Newmarket, coming from the rear of the field. He has been dropped 1lb for the run, with winner Fairbanks given a 6lb rise and, although he faces a tough task to reverse the form, Knightswood holds at least strong each-way claims.

French-raider Melo Melo was purchased by Wathnan Racing following a second-place finish in last season’s Prix Vermeille, in which she was beaten by a narrow margin by formidable filly Warm Heart. She had previously recorded two black-type victories, at both Group Two and Listed level respectively, and has proven she has what it takes to be successful in this sphere. The step back up in trip to 1m6f should suit this mare who possesses stamina in abundance, and any rain ahead of post time would be a positive. She is untried on a quicker surface but there is enough in her pedigree to suggest it may not inconvenience her, although softer ground would likely be to her advantage. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained mare could just prove better than the rest for a yard attempting another lucrative raid in Britain.

The three-year-old Farhh gelding cost 235,000gns as a yearling and showed plenty of promise on debut, finishing second in a heavy ground maiden at Leopardstown. The winner, Ecureuil Secret, has since placed in two Group Three contests, while third-placed Autumn Winter subsequently ran a respectable race in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot. Thequietman has been withdrawn on account of unsuitable ground twice since his debut, suggesting this return to a slightly easier surface should suit. He can take a step forward from his debut to land his maiden success for a yard who have been saddling plenty of winners in recent weeks.

Back on the same mark of 70 as when victorious in the race last year, Dragon Of Malta holds leading claims once again in familiar surroundings. Although he is versatile in regards to ground, the return to potentially easier conditions will be in his favour and could allow him to build on his recent fourth at Killarney. He has often run well at the track, and can do so again with Shane Foley in the saddle.