1

Bright Melody

Generally disappointing last season but both his runs at Meydan earlier this year were more encouraging, latterly when proving too strong for 13 rivals in a handicap over this trip.

2

Bell Rock

All three runs over this track have been good, including two wins. That is encouraging as is the fact that he has run some of his best races after an absence. Good ground seems to suit best.

3

Maydanny

Temperamental earlier in his career failing to live up to his huge purchase price. He did win two handicaps in 2020 and chances if in the mood that saw him winning from the front at Goodwood.

4

Dubai Legacy

Has winning handicap form here (1400m) earlier in his career. Returns from a spell at Meydan, doing best when third last time. Not especially reliable but worth a try at this longer trip.

5

Graphite

Twice won at G3 level – including at this distance – when trained by French maestro Andre Fabre. Has had his problems since and was soundly beaten on his recent debut for a small UK trainer.

6

Starcat

Ran in last year’s 2000 Guineas, not disgraced in that G1 but has failed to win since having his sights lowered. However this strong gelding could well start his 2021 career on a nice handicap mark.

7

Overwrite

His third career win came over 1600m here two starts back when quickly grabbing a favourable position for a front-running win. Those seem ideal tactics which he might try here.

8

Mascat

Has failed to win since landing a maiden here in 2019. But plenty of solid placed efforts including when a close second in a recent handicap and he’s from a stable currently on a winning streak.

9

Al Muffrih

Not very successful on the all-weather lately, sometimes awkward at the start and then racing too freely. No surprise to see him back on turf, running some good races on grass in 2020 albeit over further.

10

The Gill Brothers

An interesting outsider here, even though he failed to get into the action when always behind in a hot Newbury handicap last time and crack jockey David Egan rides him again.