1

Sir Busker

Not an easy ride but has some high class form and fourth in a G1 this day last year,  also putting in a super finish to win a course and distance 2020 Royal Ascot handicap.

2

Oh This Is Us

A tough 16-times winner who has often scored unexpectedly such as when a long-odds Listed winner over this course and distance in April. Good or fast ground ideal.

3

Montatham

Happy over this course and distance when second of 23 in a prestigious handicap last year. Better suited to this shorter trip after leading but fading in a G2 at York in July.

4

Accidental Agent

A shock G1 winner over this course and distance in 2018, winning just once in 23 subsequent starts. The heavy ground was against him here last time.

5

Magical Morning

Won a handicap over this trip at Sandown in July, also going close at York before disappointing at Newmarket. Doesn’t look the strongest of the Gosden-trained runners.

6

Escobar

No wins from his 15 starts this season, but he did easily win this handicap on heavy ground back in 2019. Well handicapped if could suddenly return to his best.

7

Aldaary

With slow ground in his favour he returned to winning form with an easy 1400m handicap victory here this month, always travelling well. Probably again requires slow ground.

8

Dashing Roger

A tough little gelding who showed smart acceleration as soon as he found daylight when winning a handicap here in August, his last start. He seems to handle any ground.

9

Raise You

Has only raced twice since leading most of the way in a handicap over this trip at The Curragh in April. Not seen since July when a slightly unlucky fifth at Galway.

10

Nugget

A very smart handicapper over this trip and with good or fast ground. Fit enough after a 147-day break to win a Haydock handicap last month. A 3lb higher mark looks very fair.

11

Johan

Started favourite for a G3 at Deauville last time but faded out after coming under pressure. Won a handicap over this trip in June. Likely to be ridden prominently.

12

Matthew Flinders

It is positive that he has won over a straight 1600m like this one, at Doncaster. Will need to improve on most 2021 runs including two here at Ascot.

13

Rhoscolyn

Having his 12th race since April but seems to thrive on the activity and has done well for his shrewd owners including three handicap wins. Handles any surface.

14

Saltonstall

From an Irish stable that won a G1 sprint at Longchamp this month. Will need to upgrade on recent starts but was in good winning form at around this time last year.

15

King Leonidas

Lightly raced but this promising colt returned from a long absence to run a good third of ten in a 2000m handicap at Newbury last month. No worries over this shorter trip.

16

Kenzai Warrior

In 2019 he won a heavy ground 1400m G3 at Newmarket before becoming very disappointing. But much better when quickening to win a Kempton handicap last time.

17

Marie’s Diamond

Chances here if bouncing back to the form that saw him finish a surprise third in a G1 over this course and distance in 2020. Tries hard but probably vulnerable here.

18

Symbolize

Eighth in this on soft ground last year, his only run so far over 1600m. In good shape here this month when second after leading for much of the way in a 1400m handicap.

19

Shelir

His four previous runs at Ascot have not yielded any dividends but in top form for his latest start when – in first-time cheekpieces – he led from gate to wire at York.

20

Sunray Major

Two decisive wins for this very well bred colt on his two recent starts. Well in command of a 1400m handicap here this month, and looks well handicapped under a 6lb penalty.

Reserves

21

Young Fire

Has not made much impact on his last two starts but this seven times winner did run second in a handicap here in August. Likes slow ground and needs to challenge late.

22

Al Rufaa

Has mostly competed over around 1400m including two fast ground wins at Newmarket. The heavy ground here on his last start would not have been in his favour.

23

Indeed

Runner-up in a G3 at Newmarket back in 2019 but has had his problems and rarely seen since. Did briefly threaten a shock win on his return in a York handicap.