Today's £500,000 King George VI And The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes is shaping up to be a mouth watering treat for armchair fans and professional punters alike.

The contest is being billed the race of the season with European champion Helissio crossing swords with Dubai World Cup winner Singspiel and Breeders' Cup Turf hero Pilsudksi.

But, for a contest often run at a good pace throughout, stamina is a really important asset and Shantou - the St Leger winner last season over two furlongs further - looks the each-way value.

It is no surprise that Frankie Dettori has chosen to ride Singspiel instead. The admirable five-year-old took his prize-money earnings to the brink of £3 million with a runaway victory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom on his last outing.

His remarkable achievements abroad - as well as winning the Japan Cup and Dubai World Cup he was runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Turf - underline his toughness.

But odds of around the 9 to 4 mark reflect this.

And with the under-rated but talented Gary Hind jocked-up for Shantou, a price around 20 to 1 marks the son of Alleged out as much better value.

Connections of Shantou would be the first to admit that in the past he has been something of a 'character' - misbehaving on the track and at home.

But he seems to be settling down and maturing as a four-year-old and if matching the determination shown to get home by a head from Swain - whom he should hold again - last time out at Newmarket, he could go close if the race goes to plan.

Given Predappio's battling qualities - displayed in a thrilling finish to the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot - he must be considered a danger, as must Pilsudski, who looked to have come on for that run when stealing the CoralEclipse Stakes at Sandown three weeks ago.