1

Taiba

From a stable with a formidable record in this. Comes here fresh off a victory in a G1 over 1800m at Parx in September. He has been a slow maturing horse but he looked really powerful that day.

2

Life Is Good

Has started an odds-on favourite for all 11 starts, winning nine times including 1800m G1’s on his last two starts – leading throughout each time. Has terrific speed, just needing to prove himself at 2000m. 

3

Happy Saver

Began his career with five consecutive victories. Lost his next seven starts but has never run badly and his 6L second to Flightline at Belmont was the closest any horse has got to him at the finish. 

4

Flightline

The world’s highest rated horse will start a red-hot favourite on account of thrashing his rivals in all five starts, delivering some astounding speed figures in the process. Gained a sensational 19.3L victory in a Del Mar G1 in September.

5

Hot Rod Charlie

Rallied bravely after being headed when winning an 1800m G2 at Churchill Downs early last month. Probably not quite at his best after some hard races when fourth in this (at Del Mar) last year.

6

Epicenter

Runner-up – when favourite – in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in May – but has won twice since, notably landing a prestigious G1 at Saratoga in August. Brilliant and consistent, and tactically versatile.

7

Olympiad

Has enjoyed a hugely rewarding season winning six of his seven starts, including a G1 over this distance at Saratoga last time.

8

Rich Strike

Surged past rivals to beat Epicenter and 18 others for his famous 81-1 shock victory in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, coming close to another Churchill Downs victory last time. Would be a popular winner, but it looks unlikely.