The Trade Nation London Gold Cup at Newbury is traditionally one of the strongest 3yo handicaps of the spring and this year’s renewal looks well up to standard. Run over 1m2f on good ground, the race often produces future Pattern performers and several in this field arrive with significant upside.

A steady-to-even gallop looks likely on paper, with Lost Boys and Capall Rasa among the more prominent racers. That could make tactical speed and track position especially important around Newbury’s sweeping turns and long straight.

The standout profile belongs to Tierra Del Toro, who represents Ralph Beckett. A 340,000gns yearling and closely related to elite middle-distance performers, he shaped with plenty of promise in three starts at two. His second in a notable Newbury conditions race now reads particularly well and the step up to 1m2f looks certain to suit. Returning from a layoff is the obvious question, but this race has long looked a likely target.

Aidan O’Brien’s Port Of Spain is another major player. Although he did not win beyond maiden company at two, he competed in Group races throughout the autumn and shaped as though further would bring improvement. Handicap company could prove a very different test and Ryan Moore’s booking catches the eye.

Sahara King and Lost Boys both arrive progressive after strong efforts this spring. Sahara King has been finishing his races well over this trip and looks suited by Newbury’s long straight, while Lost Boys impressed with his attitude when scoring at Sandown and could secure a favourable tactical position.

One horse with a slightly trickier setup is Al Azd. He has improved rapidly since wearing blinkers, but his best recent form has come over further and dropping back to 1m2f in a tactical race may not play to his strengths.

This looks a deep and informative handicap, with Tierra Del Toro narrowly preferred ahead of Port Of Spain.