1

Montatham

Despite top weight he still looks decently handicapped, and has a good Sandown record – bravely winning a handicap here and runner-up in Listed company. Races prominently.

2

Accidental Agent

Has not won since a famous shock G1 Royal Ascot victory over the straight 1600m in 2018. He ran respectably – without threatening – as a big-priced outsider in the same race in June.

3

Bedouin’s Story

Had won a handicap and ran second in a G3, at Meydan earlier in the year. A soft ground handicap winner at York in 2019.

4

Marie’s Diamond

Ran a terrific third in a slow-ground G1 at Royal Ascot in 2020, that ensured a stiff handicap mark though it is easing after nine defeats since.

5

Beat Le Bon

Has not lived up to some lofty early expectations. His three turf wins have all come on fast ground which it won’t be here but his stable have won this race before.

6

Escobar

Without a win since a terrific success in a heavy-ground Ascot handicap in 2019. Encouragingly, he has run three good placed efforts at this track.

7

Orbaan

Suited by the slow surface, he weaved a passage through traffic to win a York handicap about a year ago. Some disappointments since, but nicely weighted if right on his game.

8

Maydanny

Weakened fast after racing prominently in a Royal Ascot handicap. Had done much better previously when runner-up at Newmarket. Quickening ground would help.

9

Magical Morning

Briefly looked threatening in a Royal Ascot handicap on his 2021 return, but ran out of gas late on. His two 2020 wins came on fast ground but he may be best on slower turf.

10

Trais Fluors

Has been trained in France, Ireland and now the UK where he came from behind to win a handicap over this course and distance in June. Good or faster ground preferred.

11

Acquitted

A big gelding who ran poorly on his only previous Sandown start. Although a beaten favourite on his last two starts, he looks improved this year. No trip worries.

12

Fantasy Believer

Still without a turf victory and never threatened on his last three starts. His handicap mark will probably need to drop further before he enjoys a turf victory.

13

Plantadream

Slow away and towards the rear but he finished best of all to nearly grab second in an Epsom handicap last month. That was an improved performance.

14

Pythagoras

Fought hard to win a soft-ground Listed race on his final 2020 start. Facing a tough handicap mark in 2021, and has been unable to deliver a finishing kick in three starts.

15

Ransom

Twice an all-weather winner he made his turf debut here in May, running a good third on slow ground and looking as though there was more improvement to come.