1

Noble Style

Only beaten 5.5L in the 2000 Guineas at this meeting last year, though a couple of disappointments followed. Won a G2 over this trip in 2022 and deserves respect.

2

Rohaan

Capable of some whirlwind finishes from off the speed, though Ascot is the track he really excels at. Decent all-weather efforts on his two starts this year.

3

Rocket Rodney

Last seen when finishing third in a handicap in Bahrain only for the jockey to weigh in light meaning disqualification. Had earlier won a similar race there showing lots of late speed.

4

Apollo One

A good third in this last year without ever looking like winning.  Three narrow defeats in hot 1200m handicaps followed. He’s generally reliable and versatile in terms of surface.

5

Chipstead

Won a hot 1000m handicap at York last May and won a good all-weather prize at Lingfield this year. Ran okay but couldn’t threaten in the closing stages here last month.

6

Mums Tipple

Surged from the rear to almost land a surprise win in a 1400m Kempton handicap on his latest start.  Has never quite lived up to a sensational victory at York back in 2019 but is still fast.

7

Aberama Gold

A 12-times winner though not especially consistent. He ran one of his best races for some time when only 1L third of 18 in a strong handicap over this course and distance last month.

8

Rabaah

Has had issues but his trainer still has high hopes for him. His two wins have come on an all-weather surface – at this trip – but he’s shown promise on turf also.

9

Wallop

Yet to win on a turf surface and didn’t make much impact when returning to racecourse action here last month. At least his handicap mark is dropping.

10

Summerghand

This veteran has won 17 times in his 93-race career but quite well beaten in this event for the past two years. Handicap mark slipping but younger rivals may have his measure.

11

Desert Cop

From a top stable but has become very disappointing finishing last or nearly last in his five most recent races. His handicap mark probably needs to sink even further.

12

Aleezdancer

Best on a slow surface, and the ground was soft when he finished strongly to grab third of 14 in a handicap over this trip in March, a good effort after a 162-day absence.

13

Sterling Knight

A tough seven-times winner who has won over 1400m but looks best at this trip. Nearest at the finish when third of 16 at Doncaster on his only 2024 start.

14

Tactical

Won a 1400m Listed handicap here back in 2021. But his career has largely gone downhill since and mostly very well beaten last year. Handicap dropping sharply but it needs to.

15

Chairmanoftheboard

Only headed late on when second of 21 in this a year ago. Hasn’t managed a win in eight races since but very nearly scored at Newbury last time and looks favourably handicapped right now.

16

Abate

Ten wins from 57 starts and that winning tally includes a terrific front-running display – just holding off closers – in a handicap over this course and distance last September.