A competitive renewal of the Listed Steventon Stakes brings together a fascinating mix of proven Pattern performers and progressive younger horses, with Persica setting the standard after a string of consistent efforts in Group company.

Richard Hannon’s five-year-old arrives in excellent form having finished runner-up in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes before running with credit in strong races at Royal Ascot and Sandown. His consistency, proven effectiveness over the trip and suitability to quick ground make him the horse they all have to beat.

The biggest threat could come from the lightly raced Al Zanati. Charlie Appleby’s colt showed smart juvenile form and was runner-up in the Classic Trial at Sandown before disappointing in the Dante. That York effort is easy enough to forgive, and with just five career starts he still has the scope to improve significantly, particularly back in Listed company.

Stablemate Arabian Light also represents Godolphin and has plenty of ability on his day. A winner in Meydan during the winter, he has mixed good performances with below-par efforts and needs to rediscover his best after a disappointing Royal Ascot run. If he does, he is capable of making the frame.

Oceans Four arrives as an intriguing improver for Brian Meehan. After an underwhelming seasonal debut, he produced a much-improved effort when a close fourth in a Group 3 at Royal Ascot, staying on strongly at the finish. With first-time headgear applied and further progression possible, he could be the one to challenge the principals if the race develops in his favour.

The dark horse is Silawi, whose recent form has come at the highest international level. A Group 3 winner at Windsor last season and successful in a Grade 1 in Canada, he returns from a five-month absence after contesting elite races in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Likely to adopt his customary front-running role, he could prove difficult to peg back if allowed an uncontested lead, although race fitness remains the obvious question.

Completing the field is Midak, who showed smart form in France before joining Ian Williams. He has yet to reproduce that level consistently in Britain and, while capable of better than his recent efforts suggest, he faces a stiff task against stronger rivals.

With only six runners declared, tactics could play a decisive role. Silawi is expected to set the pace, with Persica ideally positioned to track the leader before making his challenge in the straight. Unless one of the younger horses finds significant improvement, Persica’s proven consistency and solid Group form make him the percentage call to land the Steventon Stakes, while Silawi rates the most interesting value alternative if returning at his best.