1

Saleymm

Two good runs out of three this season, latterly when looking all set to win a Newmarket handicap still running a fine second in a hot event.

2

Darkness

Had some smart winning form – including at this trip – when trained in France, but yet to score on four UK outings though he has shown promise on various occasions.

3

On A Session

Has failed to win in 14 starts since leaving Ireland but he has run enough good races to ensure that his handicap rating remains high. That includes a good third – having to race wide – in this race last year.

4

Top Secret

A career best – despite a slow start – over Newbury’s straight 1600m last time when only just caught. His trainer thinks that front-running tactics might suit him best.

5

Zip

A specialist at this trip – all his six wins coming over it. Ran respectably on his latest start. His best efforts have come on slow ground.

6

Tadreeb

Will have to upgrade on the form of his last three runs – well beaten in those handicaps – if he is to have any chance here.

7

Orbaan

His ninth at York last time was much better than it looked as he was repeatedly denied a clear run. But he has only won one of his 22 races since moving from France to England.

8

Natural Path

Finished well from off the pace when third on the all-weather at Chelmsford last week. Also finishing well when third at Newmarket previously.

9

Eldrickjones

Beginning to look better handicapped now though he will still need to do better than on recent starts if he is to win this. His record suggests that a fast surface is preferable.

10

Epsom Faithfull

Won three consecutive 1400m all-weather handicaps at Kempton earlier this year. Trained locally though neither of his runs at Epsom last year were particularly distinguished.

11

Lord Rapscallion

Looked to handle this track well when fourth in this last year especially as he did not have a good passage. Recent starts have been disappointing but he is beginning to look very well handicapped.

12

Mykonos St John

Only one turf win in his career so far but placed in turf handicaps in three of his last four starts. This is his 12th run of the year, but no sign of him losing his enthusiasm yet.

13

Tintoretto

Wasn’t beaten far on his only previous start at Epsom and is 3lb lower in the weights now. This trip looks ideal whilst fast ground would be preferable.

14

Big Narstie

Not very encouraging that he is yet to win from six tries on a turf surface. Faded out towards the end at Chester last time, the first-time cheekpieces appearing not to work.

15

Bowman

The application of cheekpieces seemed to help as he came close to landing a big shock at Kempton last time. Much will depend on how he handles Epsom, having his first run here.

16

Pocket The Profit

His three turf wins have come on a slow surface. Couldn’t get seriously involved on fast ground at Newmarket last time.

17

Nuvolari

Responded well to pressure to win over this course and distance on his debut run, last September. Hasn’t won in three starts since, but his Goodwood fourth in May was encouraging.