1

Bell Rock

Ran a respectable sixth in this last year, though after two good runs this season including a decisive Newmarket victory, he must compete off a 6lb higher handicap mark this time.

2

Haqeeqy

Despite a difficult trip he outclassed his rivals in a famous UK handicap, at Doncaster, before finishing a close fourth in a Listed event here, and the winner has landed a G3 since.

3

Bowerman

Won a valuable prize in Qatar earlier in the year, but well beaten in three starts since.

4

Escobar

Beaten in his last 15 starts but that last win was over this straight 1600m with his nearest victim being Lord North, a subsequent dual G1 winner. Didn’t handle Epsom last time.

5

What’s The Story

Fourth in this in 2018, but failed to make a serious impact in 2019 and 2020. His two starts this season have been solid but, off his current handicap rating, his chance looks remote.

6

Brunch

Having his first start at Ascot but well suited to 1600m and his two 2021 suggest that he is in good shape. Slow from the gate at York last time but still finishing a commendable second.

7

Beat Le Bon

Effective at this trip and on fast ground and chances if repeating his close Doncaster second last time.

8

Maydanny

A hugely expensive purchase. Has run some good and bad races, but good when second in a hot Newmarket handicap last time. Likes quick ground.

9

Grove Ferry

Twice placed over the straight 1600m here last season. Did plenty wrong at Chester last time – including being slow from the gate – but still won. Good or slower ground helpful.

10

Power Of States

His last eight starts have been on the all-weather, winning four times though all over further than this. In eleven turf starts he is yet to finish nearer than third. His profile is worrying.

11

Ascension

Twice below his best in 2021 but put that right when galloping strongly up the stands’ rail over the straight 1600m at Newbury, posting a career-best effort. Thrives on slow ground.

12

Trais Fluors

Placed in a G1 when French-trained earlier in his career, he had started to look well handicapped, and won at Sandown last week, happy on the fast ground.

13

Lucander

Competing over further recently, but gained three wins over this trip earlier in his career. A beaten favourite on last two starts but still an encouraging second at Newmarket last time.

14

Magical Morning

Gelded prior to this 2021 return. Did win first time off a break last season and also twice proved himself over a straight 1600m when winning and finishing second at Doncaster.

15

Matthew Flinders

Proved himself over a straight 1600m when winning a Doncaster handicap in 2020. Raced too freely and then ran out of gas at York last time but stable sending out plenty of winners.

16

Finest Sound

Two fine 2021 efforts suggests he will be fancied even off a career high handicap rating. Finishing fast he managed to catch an enterprisingly ridden rival at Haydock last time.

17

Eastern World

Has better fancied stablemates toiling behind when a surprise winner at Meydan in February. Twice a beaten favourite in the UK since, but encouraging at Newmarket latterly.

18

Fame And Acclaim

A tough handicapper, fighting hard to the wire when second in two 1600m handicaps at The Curragh lately. Used to racing on good or slower.

19

Astro King

Has been involved in two tight finishes on both 2021 starts, sticking his neck out to win bravely at Nottingham and then a close third at Thirsk despite a wide trip. Still improving.

20

Bugle Major

Had some success when French trained, though best over longer trips than this. Didn’t make a big impact on his UK debut and hard to fancy here.

21

Cliffs Of Capri

Has plenty of Ascot experience and always seems to run well on this track, including when a fine fourth of 23 in a 1400m handicap at this meeting in 2020.

22

Layfayette

Leading late on this Irish invader beat a big field over this trip on slow ground at The Curragh, running another good race at the same track when a little unlucky last month. Rain please.

23

Irish Admiral

A disappointing favourite at Epsom last time but may not have appreciated that track or slow ground. But he remains a gelding with potential.

24

Hortzadar

This is his ideal trip, but softening ground might be a help and it was slow ground when second at Epsom last time.

25

Ouzo

Not enough to recommend him from two starts this season though he did win a big-field handicap over this trip at York last year.

26

Teston

Beaten a long way on his last two starts and a sinking handicap mark is unlikely to help.

27

Revich

Recent starts suggest that he’s in good shape, and he’s run decently on his last two Ascot starts, though over shorter.

28

Real World

Competing with some promise in dirt handicaps at Meydan earlier this year. Cheekpieces and this jockey both for the first time.

29

Fantasy Believer

All three of his career wins have been when partnered by this very talented jockey. Only seventh but not beaten far last time.

30

Pepperoni Pete

Was a good winner at Naas over this very suitable trip on his penultimate start. But predicted rain might not come in time for him.

Reserves

31

Path Of Thunder

A talented handicapper who has had some training issues. Ran a good second at Newbury last time and can do even better given fast ground.

32

Variyann

Has won two of his last three starts and though they have been on the all-weather, he is also a winner over this trip on turf.

33

Repertoire

Has run quite well on recent starts including a third over this course and distance.