1

Silky Wilkie

Impressive when outspeeding 12 other speedsters at Musselburgh in April, and not beaten far in two Newmarket G3’s subsequently. Reliable, the only issue is his challengingly high handicap rating.

2

Mountain Peak

Came desperately close to a shock win in this last year. A ten-times winning veteran sprinter, he loves fast ground. Will need to upgrade on a modest 2023 return to action.

3

Clarendon House

A specialist at this pure speed trip but having his first start at this downhill track. Has been tried in group race company and should be sharper for his 2023 return in a handicap last month.

4

Look Out Louis

Disappointing on his latest two turf starts though the ground was certainly softer than he prefers at Chester last month. His last victory was gained in front-running style at Haydock.

5

Alligator Alley

His three turf wins all came over this trip and on fast ground. Could never launch a serious challenge at York last time.

6

Zarzyni

Hasn’t won in his last eight starts but at least his sinking handicap mark is now making life easier. Not beaten far at York on his latest start.

7

One Night Stand

Well beaten in two all-weather starts earlier this year and nearly two years since has won on a turf surface. Not much appeal.

8

Came From The Dark

His last victory came when delivering a late punch in a G3 at Sandown in summer of 2021. In handicaps more recently, latterly when again doing his best work late on to finish third at Newmarket.

9

Ancient Times

The fact that he has proven winning form at this track is a plus. Returned from an absence to run a decent fourth at Newmarket last month. Fast ground seems to suit best.

10

Vintage Clarets

Not beaten far but still a disappointing favourite on his latest handicap sprint start, having previously suffered a poor passage when second.  His three career wins have come on good or fast ground.

11

Navello

A sinking handicap mark and in a first-time tongue tie resulted in a handicap sprint victory at Thirsk, surging from the back. A close third at Windsor subsequently.

12

Lord Riddiford

A close up fifth in this event in 2021, a very good effort considering a difficult passage. On an attractive handicap rating if he can return to his best form.

13

Live In The Moment

Ran respectably in this race last year but didn’t look entirely happy on this track. In good form at Doncaster last time, leading until near the finish. Good or slower ground ideal.

14

Mokaatil

Despite hanging left he responded to pressure to finish fourth of 20 in this last year, having won it the previous year, so he can safely be described as a specialist over this famous downhill track.

15

Angle Land

From a stable that specialise with sprinters and this speedster gained her sixth career victory with a comfortable victory at Goodwood last month. She’s a reliable filly.

16

Sampers Seven

Only one turf success so far that being a front-running victory at York in 2020. A quite encouraging third on her last start considering she was awkward at the start and raced too keenly.

17

Lihou

Has won ten of his 69 starts and thrives on racing, seeming as good as ever. Responded well to his rider when winning here in April, with just a 2lb higher handicap mark now.

18

The Thin Blue Line

A low percentage winner on turf but, although not travelling well for much of the race, did manage to win a sprint at Musselburgh in April. This looks a much harder task.

19

Papa Don’t Preach

It would be very unusual for a sprinter who has never won on a grass surface to be successful in this. Ran a fair second two starts back but that was on slower ground than he will face here.

20

Recon Mission

From a stable that have won this event before and this gelding also has a good record over this course and distance. Likes to lead and was only nailed late on in a sprint here in April.