1

Cadillac

High class when Ireland- based including G2 and G3 victories. First run in a handicap on this 17th career start and no reason why this consistent gelding won’t perform well.

2

Notre Belle Bete

Worrying that he is 0-13 on a turf surface but he did run a solid third when favourite for this last year. Quickened stylishly to win a valuable all-weather event at Newcastle last month.

3

Saga

Talented but has only won once, and three times a beaten favourite – his career not helped by some slow starts. Gelded since last seen.

4

Dawn Of Liberation

Career highlight so far when winning over 1600m at Goodwood a year ago. Has had a wind operation prior to this handicap and seasonal debut.

5

King Of Conquest

Arrives here off probably a career best run when beating 15 rivals in a handicap over this trip in Bahrain. Continued progress would give him a live chance.

6

Empirestateofmind

Second more often than he has won, but he’s a high class and consistent handicapper who finished clear of the third when runner-up in a hot event here in April.

7

Great Max

Has struggled to win, and was gelded prior to his 2023 debut when a very respectable fourth in a 1600m Newbury handicap.

8

Jimi Hendrix

Might start favourite after advertising his well-being – in first-time blinkers – when surging clear in a soft-ground 1600m Newbury handicap. Potentially well handicapped despite the penalty.

9

Magical Morning

Four starts this year have been at longer trips than this and at overseas venues. Ran a well beaten second at Meydan, delivering a strong finish when runner-up at Saint-Cloud.

10

Turntable

Belated career best performances when twice winning here last Autumn. This straight track is ideal as is slow ground. Maybe even better to come despite advancing years.

11

Dual Identity

A terrific third of 28 in a famous Newmarket handicap last September, though a disappointing favourite back there subsequently. Has performed well after a break before.

12

Majestic

A powerful late burst saw him beat a huge field in a famous handicap over this course and distance, last September. Showed he could handle a higher rating when a good fourth at Doncaster last month.

13

Toshizou

Has not been at his very best in his two starts since leaving Ireland but his third in a 1600m handicap here last month was reasonably encouraging.

14

Howth

Became disappointing when trained in Ireland. His current trainer has a fine record with this type, and Howth’s close and unlucky second on his final 2022 run was encouraging.

15

Dutch Decoy

Has had a busy career winning eight of his 47 starts. His fourth here last month suggests that he still retains his enthusiasm.

16

Titian

Came to within a neck of winning a 22-runner handicap over the straight 1600m at Doncaster last month. No worries about this longer trip or prospects of less slow ground than it was then.

17

The City’s Phantom

Seems best on a fast surface, unlikely conditions here. His handicap mark is easing, but it may not be enough with such a strong group of rivals.