Observatory can come out best in a fascinating renewal of the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot tomorrow.
The brilliant but ill-fated Dubai Millennium ran away with last year's race when it was run as a Group One contest for the first time.
There may be nothing of his calibre in this time but it is nevertheless 'the race of the season' so far.
Godolphin run their Emirates World Series champion Fantastic Light, who will have the benefit of Give The Slip acting as a pacemaker, Breeders' Cup Turf winner Kalanisi goes for Sir Michael Stoute and Luca Cumani saddles Endless Hall, successful in last month's valuable Singapore Airlines International Cup.
Observatory will have his work cut out on his first attempt at 10 furlongs but he has the scope and potential to make the improvement needed to land the prize.
He rounded off last season with a thrilling victory over Giant's Causeway in the one-mile Queen Elizabeth II Stakes here in September when he finished strongly to land the spoils.
John Gosden's colt reappeared in the Prix d'Ispahan over nine furlongs last month when he once again showed his battling qualities to defeat Hightori a short head.
Hightori renews rivalry tomorrow but Observatory has improved since his Longchamp success and can take his measure once more.
Observatory should have no problem with the extra furlong at the Royal meeting and he is the nap selection to ward off the challenges of Fantastic Light and Kalanisi in a race which is sure to be run at a furious gallop.
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