G2 – 2392m – Turf
| 1 | Communique | Tough 4YO who raced 14 times last year, developing into an accomplished handicapper. This year beat Defoe to win G2 at Newmarket then 4th to same horse in G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom, both over 2400m. Probably not quite good enough. |
| 2 | Defoe | Consistent and improved performer making his first appearance at Ascot. All eight wins have been on good or softer going. Won G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom last month and has a solid chance. |
| 3 | Masar | Last year’s Derby winner makes long awaited return from injury. Step up in trip after finishing 3rd in 2000 Guineas suited him. Switched from red hot Prince Of Wales’s Stakes to G2 company but still likely to be vulnerable. |
| 4 | Mirage Dancer | Steadily progressive in Sir Michael Stoute’s hands and run well all three appearances at Ascot, all on good to firm ground. Fair chance. |
| 5 | Morando | Six-year-old progressed to win G3 at end of last season and another at start of this but well beaten behind Defoe in G1 Coronation Cup. Needs give in the ground. Unlikely to be good enough. |
| 6 | Nagano Gold | Trained by Czech trainer. Improved to win Listed race then good 3rd in G3 both at Longchamp this year. Not good enough for this. |
| 7 | Salouen | Has often run well at G1 level but never won above Listed grade and poor strike rate. 3rd behind Defoe in last month’s G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom. Not quite good enough. |
| 8 | Southern France | Gave Stradivarius a fright when runner-up to him in slowly run G2 Yorkshire Cup over 2771m last month. Has not run over as short as 2400m for over a year. Has the class to be involved if copes with shorter trip. |
| 9 | Lah Ti Dar | Lightly raced 4YO filly showed top class form last year, ending season as runner-up in the St Leger and 3rd in G1 Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot over 2392m. Well beaten favourite in G1 Coronation Cup won by Defoe last month. Needs to recapture form. |
