How do you answer such a question? Simple. Nick Smith will need to press as much as flesh as possible on behalf of Ascot to get Mohaather and Palace Pier booked in for the QEII on Champions Day.

Should the pair clash at that point of the season, I would be inclined to lean towards Palace Pier, given how he waded through testing ground at Deauville in the Marois.

But Mohaather, who was fifth in the race last year when returning off a break, has enjoyed a more straightforward time of things this season and the QEII is under consideration. If this sounds like an exercise in fence sitting, it is because that's what it is. Both are tremendous milers, and I would like to see them square off to provide a definitive answer.
David Baxter, reporter

Tough one because Mohaather won the Sussex Stakes just as easily as Palace Pier won at Deauville and the Goodwood race looked the stronger, to my eyes.

Both are improving milers, but Palace Pier is the younger of the two and would receive weight-for-age if he were to meet Mohaather. That might tip the balance in Palace Pier’s favour.

It would be a fascinating race between the two and I’m not sure who would win. Let’s hope it happens.
Graeme Rodway, tipster

Mohaather and Palace Pier are two fantastic milers but I would marginally side with the impressive Prix Jacques le Marois winner.

Frankie Dettori’s mount looked in a spot of bother with three furlongs to run but two furlongs later the race was all but won. Stamina looks one of his strongest assets at this trip and his ability to handle ease underfoot will be a likely positive for the QEII – a race with a good record for three-year-olds.

There is not much in it though and Qipco British Champions Day should provide the definitive answer.
Jack Haynes, reporter

Racing Post Online