Sussex Stakes: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

1. Accidental Agent (Eve Johnson Houghton/Charles Bishop)
Smart performer who won Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot (by half a length from Lord Glitters) in 2018. Disappointed in two subsequent starts that season, and having shaped encouragingly on return in Lockinge Stakes at Newbury (three lengths third to Mustashry) in May, his career hit a new low when refusing to race in latest renewal of Queen Anne. Got back on track to some degree when three lengths fourth to Beat The Bank in Summer Mile back at Ascot last time, though never able to land a blow. Comes with risks obvious attached and even best form leaves him with plenty to find in the first-time cheekpieces.

2. Lord Glitters (David O'Meara/Daniel Tudhope)
Developed into very smart performer in 2018, producing best efforts when placed in Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot (half a length second to Accidental Agent) and this race (two lengths third to Lightning Spear). Improved again after five months when one and three quarter lengths third to Almond Eye in 9f Dubai Turf at Meydan in March, and bounced back from Lockinge flop with deserved first Group 1 success in this year's renewal of Queen Anne (by neck from Beat The Bank) last time, asserting close home. Consistent sort who sets the standard amongst the older horses, but looks vulnerable to progressive bunch of three-year-olds.

3. Zabeel Prince (Roger Varian/Andrea Atzeni)
Lightly raced for his age and returned better than ever this year, posting very smart effort to make winning reappearance in 9f Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket (by two and three quarter lengths from Forest Ranger) in April. Confirmed that form when following up in 9f Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp (by three quarters of a length from Study of Man) in May, but failed to repeat it when stepped up to 10f the last twice, in Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July. Bit to prove as a result and needs drop back in trip to spark a revival.

4. I Can Fly (Aidan O'Brien, Ireland/Donnacha O'Brien)
Produced standout effort when neck second to Roaring Lion in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in 2018. Been kept busy in first half of 2019 with six starts to her name already, only win coming in 7f minor event at Dundalk (by eight lengths from Surrounding) on return in March. Not disgraced when third on last two starts, in Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot (two lengths behind Move Swiftly) and Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket (three lengths behind Veracious), but faces stiff task on balance of form.

5. Circus Maximus (Aidan O'Brien, Ireland/Ryan Moore)
Showed smart form at two and didn't need to improve on that to make winning return in 10f listed race at Chester (by one and three quarter lengths from recent Group 3 winner Mohawk) in May. Proved at least as good as ever in first-time cheekpieces when five lengths sixth to Anthony Van Dyck in 12f Derby at Epsom in June, but offered little sign that drop back to 1m would bring about such improvement, as it did when winning St James's Palace Stakes in first-time blinkers at Royal Ascot (by neck from King of Comedy) last time. Seen to maximum advantage given how that race developed, but dangerous to dismiss it as a fluke. Supplemented at a cost of £70,000 last week.

6. Happy Power (Andrew Balding/Silvestre de Sousa)
Looked potential Group horse when winning 7f handicap at Newbury (by five lengths) on return in April, and done little to discredit that view in three subsequent starts, notably adding to his tally in listed race at York (by one and a quarter lengths from Wadilsafa, plenty in hand) in June. Not disgraced when three and three quarter lengths seventh to Space Traveller in 7f Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot last time, on ground possibly quicker than ideal. Should prove more competitive at that level another day, but plenty on his plate now stepping up even further in grade.

7. Phoenix of Spain (Charles Hills/Jamie Spencer)
Improved in leaps and bounds through juvenile campaign, notably winning 7f Acomb Stakes at York before filling runner-up spot in 7f Champagne Stakes and Futurity Trophy (neck behind Magna Grecia), both at Doncaster. Took another step forward when winning Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh (by three lengths from Too Darn Hot) on return in May, quickening clear over a furlong out and well on top at the finish. Below that form when only sixth (three and three quarter lengths behind Circus Maximus) in St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last time, but had possible excuses (best form on faster going) and well worth another chance to confirm earlier promise.

8. Too Darn Hot (John Gosden/Frankie Dettori)
Unbeaten in four starts during stellar juvenile campaign, including Champagne Stakes at Doncaster (by one and three quarter lengths from Phoenix of Spain) and Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket (by two and three quarter lengths from Advertise), both at 7f. Placed in first three starts this year after missing 2000 Guineas through injury, including when length third to Circus Maximus in St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, and resumed progress to win 7f Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly (by three lengths from Space Blues) last time, leading over a furlong out and quickly forging clear. Sets the clear standard on that form and looks sure to take plenty of beating, with this speed-oriented track likely to play to his strengths back at 1m.