1

Excel Power

In terrific form this season, having won both starts – fast ground handicaps at around 1600m. Leading, he had all his rivals in trouble early on at Windsor last time. Career high handicap mark now, but chance if the ground is fast.

2

Fantastic Fox

This is his ideal sort of trip and, though he has won on slow ground, his trainer thinks that faster conditions suit him much better. Should be sharper for his career return at Haydock, his first start since being gelded.

3

Hortzadar

Versatile but good or slower ground ideal as it was when he ran second in this handicap last year, and competing off a 1lb easier handicap mark this time. Usually reliable.

4

Variyann

Has often excelled after a break before, so no reason why he should not do well on this seasonal return. He likes to race prominently and may try to dominate from the gate.

5

Revich

His five wins in handicap company have come over shorter trips than this. Didn’t have an ideal passage but still a close third at Chester last time.

6

La Trinidad

Still on quite a stiff handicap mark especially as he hasn’t come near winning on either start this season. His four wins have come on a good or fast surface.

7

Oh This Is Us

A 16-times winner, and, though now 15 runs without a win, that last win came in a G3 here last year when he stormed through from the back to land a shock victory.

8

Totally Charming

Delivered a career best record when a powerful surge resulted in him winning a valuable all-weather handicap in April. No reason why he shouldn’t be equally effective on turf.

9

Hartswood

Worrying that his last four starts have been disappointing. Slipping down the handicap and from a highly respected stable, but this still looks a difficult task.

10

Carolus Magnus

His last three starts have come over Newmarket’s straight 1600m, all good efforts including a handicap victory. Looks now progressive after serious injury early in his career.

11

Arthur’s Realm

Can race too freely but that has not stopped him winning twice this year, both times over 1600m. Competing off a high handicap mark now, but can do better still once he learns to settle.

12

Seasett

Looked well suited to this trip when returning from a break to win a Nottingham handicap in April. A higher handicap mark has made things more difficult since.

13

Fireworks

From a stable enjoying an incredibly hot streak recently. Last seen when running a dismal race in first-time cheekpieces but there could easily be a lot of upside to this lightly-raced gelding.

14

Bowland Park

Since winning a handicap at Haydock last August, he has continued to disappoint in handicaps. A gradually falling rating is unlikely to get him back to winning form here.

15

Corazon Espinado

Trained here at Epsom, and also seems to love this unusual track winning four times here, including this race. After some less good efforts, his handicap mark is at least becoming easier.

16

Larado

Although his two starts this year have been modest, at least he does seem to like this course and distance, dominating for much of the race and winning easily here last September.