It is something of the calm before the storm at Newmarket today with an epic Champions' Day on the horizon. But punters can prepare for tomorrow's feast in the right way courtesy of Royal Millennium.
The six-year-old contests the feature contest of the day, the Group Three Igloos Bentinck Stakes, and, in a field that appears to consist mostly of handicappers looking for a shot at the big time, he is one of the few runners of proven Pattern calibre.
Mick Channon has campaigned the gelding over distances from five furlongs to a mile, but he seems to be at his best at this six, given that his two Group Three victories to date have been at that distance.
Both of those wins have come this season, one at the Curragh last month and the other in a strong-looking Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle in June, where he got the better of multiple Group One winner Somnus.
Royal Millennium proved he is still in the form of his life recently with a very creditable third in the Prix de l'Abbaye over an inadequate five furlongs.
Further rain would not hurt his chance and he looks to have far more class than his rivals.
In the opener, it looks foolish to oppose the Godolphin-owned Echo Of Light, who makes his eagerly-awaited debut having been the subject of many informed whispers around the taverns of Newmarket.
The boys in blue have done well with the progeny of their ill-fated superstar Dubai Millennium and this one is impeccably bred, being out of a full-sister to the brilliant triple Classic winner Salsabil.
Elgin Marbles has looked a progressive juvenile in the last month and could take a bit of beating in the Prestige Nursery.
The son of Lujain produced two very decent efforts when second in nurseries over today's course and distance in September.
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