Chapple-Hyam's Tariq can repel international challenge

This curtain-raiser to five days of the finest thoroughbred action on the planet sees only four English-trained runners in the field of 11, thanks largely to Ascot officials who have worked tirelessly to bring in more international competition.

Tariq, trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, won the Jersey Stakes over seven furlongs here in 2007 and, despite being a year older and racing over a furlong further, can provide the Newmarket trainer with a perfect start to the week.

The son of Kyllachy, who runs in the colours made famous by Authorized, proved every bit as good as last season when an unlucky third in a highly competitive Lockinge Stakes, coming from last place a furlong out on his seasonal reappearance.

Creachadoir was victorious on that occasion under a masterly stop-start ride by Frankie Dettori from the front which resulted in a sprint finish. Creachadoir is absent through injury tomorrow and a likely faster pace will play to Tariq's strengths.

Over the last decade Sir Michael Stoute and Saeed bin Suroor have monopolised this event winning it eight times between them, but Godolphin are without a runner while Stoute relies on Linngari.

You would never rule out anything Stoute runs here, but the six-year-old has it to do with the filly Darjina, who has easily proved superior on the two occasions they have met.

Darjina has twice been successful at Group 1 level but has been beaten in each of her last four races including last month when Sageburg stormed home in the Prix d'Ispahan. That was Sageburg's best performance and the French raider could give Tariq the most to think about.

Aidan O'Brien's triumvirate is headed by former Australian superstar Haradasun, who can be expected to improve on his European debut in the Lockinge.

However, Jim Bolger's filly Finsceal Beo looks the strongest of the Irish and she seems to be coming back to something like her best form.

Despite the incredibly strong international challenge it should pay to rely on Tariq to get the home team off to the best possible start.