1

Century Dream

Faded in the closing stages of this last year, but that came after an absence. Quickened smartly to win a Goodwood G2 in August, seeming to thrive on the soft ground.

2

Circus Maximus

His last ten starts have been G1 battles, winning three – really responding every time he was challenged. Facts and figures suggest he was not at his best on his last two starts.

3

Dark Vision

A G2 winner at two before a dismal three-year-old campaign. Much better this year, including winning a prestigious handicap over this course and distance and a German G2 last time.

4

Escobar

Showed just what a smart handicapper he was when romping away with the Balmoral Handicap on this day  last year. But surely not good enough for this G1 challenge.

5

Lancaster House

Flopped in a Leopardstown G2 last time after leading. Aggressive tactics had been more successful when he had won a fast-ground G3 at The Curragh in June.

6

Lord Glitters

A late charge saw this veteran win a G1 over this straight 1600m at Royal Ascot in 2019, but disappointed in this. Running well without winning this season.

7

Roseman

Dwelt at the start, considering which he did well to finish fourth in a Royal Ascot G1. Could never get involved on his only subsequent 2020 start. Slow ground helps.

8

Sir Busker

Ambitious to run in this G1 instead of the later Balmoral Handicap.  Probably not good enough but he did show a liking for this straight 1600m, winning a Royal Ascot handicap.

9

The Revenant

Has won nine of his 12 starts, nearly all at this trip. Returned
from a 350-day break to win the same Longchamp G2 he had won in 2019, surging from the rear. Best on really slow ground.

10

Molatham

A strong-traveller, who hit a career peak with a 1400m soft-ground G3 win at Royal Ascot this year. Yet to prove the stamina for this trip.

11

Nazeef

Super tough and seems to thrive on racing, winning all her six starts over this trip – latterly with a typically courageous display in a heavy-ground G1 at Newmarket this month.

12

Palace Pier

One of the stars of the season, going directly from a handicap win to two G1 victories – at Ascot and Deauville, showing instant acceleration each time. Distance ideal. Will be hard to beat.

13

Royal Dornoch

May find the ground too slow here and in any case the stable look to have stronger candidates.  He did manage a narrow G3 victory at Leopardstown in August.

14

Veracious

Set a quick pace in this last year, running a very respectable fourth. Has had a light campaign but will need to be sharper than on her last start.