1

Adayar

Impressively won Epsom’s Derby and another hugely prestigious G1 last year. Struggled in this race last season but seemed tired after running in the Arc just before. A respiratory problem delayed his 2022 return but he looked good when winning at Doncaster last month.

2

Baaeed

This great champion has won all ten of his starts, the last six being in G1 company – simply too good for high class rivals each time. His runaway York victory in August proved he has no issue with trips beyond 1600m. Hard to imagine defeat on this final start before a stud career.

3

Bay Bridge

Five straight wins – increasingly classy performances – earned him a big following though defeats as favourite in G1’s on his last two starts have dented that reputation. Did deliver his best career run after a break before, now returning after 105 days off.

4

Dubai Honour

Second in this last year though arguably he came into this G1 in better form then than this year, and beaten into second when favourite for a Kempton G3 last time. Struggled badly behind Baaeed at York the time before.

5

Helvic Dream

His four wins – from 17 starts – have all come when the surface was testing. He did narrowly win a G1 last year, but two comprehensive defeats earlier this year make his task look almost impossible.

6

Mac Swiney

Two G1 victories include a courageous 1600m Irish Classic victory on testing ground at The Curragh last year. Beaten on eight starts since and very hard to fancy here. Very slow ground would help.

7

Royal Champion

His three wins have come in much weaker company than this though his easy Listed victory at Ayr last month was a clear career best. Very effective at this trip with good or slower ground ideal.

8

My Prospero

A very talented colt who has won three of his five starts and proved himself at this trip when leading throughout to win a G2 at Saint-Cloud in July, his last start. More needed in such esteemed company as this.

9

Stone Age

Led from the start when easily winning a G3 over this trip at Leopardstown in May. Mostly respectable efforts in G1 company since, but surely place money is the best that came be hoped for here.