1600m – Turf
1 | Alrajaa | Improved rapidly last autumn and although handicapper doing best to catch up with him, this classy individual may defy top-weight. |
2 | Raising Sand | A regular at Ascot. Seventh in this race in 2018 and third last year but now an 8yo and not well handicapped. |
3 | What’s The Story | Fourth in race 2018 and twelfth last year. Did well last year and a solid, reliable performer likely to show his form. |
4 | Vale Of Kent | Seventh in race last year when soft ground against him. Has benefit of respectable recent run and a live candidate. |
5 | Cardsharp | Almost last in race last year. Raced mainly at shorter distances, never won over this far nor in eight runs at Ascot. Difficult to fancy. |
6 | Lord Tennyson | Only raced twice but clearly talented, runner-up in Listed race at Newmarket early this month. An intriguing runner. |
7 | Fox Champion | Seventh in St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last year but become disappointing. Last in latest two races, including 10 days ago. |
8 | Qaysar | Improved and good season last year. Encouraging return run when close third at Newmarket this month. A live chance. |
9 | Indeed | Done very well for small stable, improving in 2019 when runner-up in G3. Decent chance if continues to improve. |
10 | Kynren | A good record at Ascot including when fifth in this race last year. Very solid performer likely to be involved. |
11 | Afaak | This race suits him perfectly – second on fast ground in 2018 and won on soft going last year. Should do well again. |
12 | Pogo | Good handicapper who improved last year. Showed himself in good form when narrowly beaten at Newmarket recently. Solid chance. |
13 | Willie John | Lightly raced 5yo invariably raced over further. Capable of good form and could spring a surprise. |
14 | Bell Rock | Well beaten in good class races last year but won on return at Newmarket 10 days ago and nicely handicapped. Good chance. |
15 | Wargrave | Some good form in Ireland in 2019. Joined George Baker and won on ice at St Moritz in February. An interesting contender. |
16 | Dark Vision | Infrequent winner who failed to progress last year but only just beaten on return at Newcastle this month which offers hope. |
17 | Jahbath | Raced mainly on all-weather tracks, won four of six races. Not run since March 2019 but has potential. |
18 | Fox Power | No more than respectable efforts since winning Listed race at Newcastle in April 2019. Needs to find more. |
19 | Beatboxer | Talented but mixed career. Gelded since last run in August. A bit of a mystery. |
20 | Petrus | Well behind in this race last year when soft going against him. On overall form, needs to do better. |
21 | Baltic Baron | Only one win from 19 tries but often placed. Well behind Bell Rock at Newmarket recently and hard to imagine him winning. |
22 | Montatham | Some fair efforts last year, since gelded and improved to win well over 1600m at Newmarket recently. Raised in handicap but of definite interest. |
23 | Walhaan | First run for Ian Williams following move from France, where won two small races. Not run since March 2019. Difficult mission. |
24 | Fox Premier | Good season last year when raced over further. Gelded since. Not run since August and needs further improvement. |