1

Flight Leader

The French handicapper has him as the joint-lowest rated horse in the race. He is one of three runners to line up in this race who clearly could not handle the heavy ground in the Prix de Guiche.

2

Marhaba Ya Sanafi

Took a big step forward from finishing second to American Flag in the main Classic trial over 1600m to winning the Poule d’Essai des Poulains for trainer Andreas Schutz. On pedigree he looks more likely than not to stay. Leading player.

3

Rajapour

Another who hated the heavy going in the Prix de Guiche. Before that he was only just beaten for second in a Group 3 over 1600 metres. He should appreciate the fast track and has place claims.

4

Padishakh

Was beaten a long way in fourth by Big Rock in the Prix de Guiche on a day when heavy ground may have exaggerated the margins. Along with Rajapour he represents five-time winning trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget, but needs to step forward for a first try at 2100m.

5

Feed The Flame

Has been supplemented into the race at considerable cost and is the least experienced runner after just two starts. Both of those have resulted in extremely impressive wins. In contrast to Big Rock, he prefers to be held up, and the race could come down to whether he can run down that rival.

6

Ace Impact

The third of the runners trained by Jean-Claude Rouget. Unbeaten in three starts and an easy winner of the same trial race as Rouget used with Sottsass in 2019. The bare rating leaves him a little bit to find.

7

Winter Pudding

A pleasing win at Listed level last time out but that was over 2400 metres and so needs to prove that a step back in trip on appreciably faster ground is what he needs. Trainers saddled the runner-up in the Prix du Jockey Club in 2011.

8

American Flag

Was sent off the favourite for the Poule d’Essai des Poulains over 1600 metres but was never a factor after dwelling badly at the start. Needs to break better but his trainer has always thought this distance will suit and he remains a big player.

9

Continuous

Showed class and determination to win a G3 over 1600 metres at Saint-Cloud last September and could emerge as one of Aidan O’Brien’s leading colts over middle distances this season. He showed he could handle good ground when finishing in a dead-heat for third in the G2 Dante Stakes against race-fit rivals.

10

Epictetus

Has the best piece of 2022 form of any of these, having finished second to Auguste Rodin over 1600m in a G1 last October. Made a pleasing return to action when winning a conditions race in April but was well beaten in the G2 Dante Stakes over 2051m last time.

11

Big Rock

Has reeled off an impressive four straight wins since moving stables, most recently when slamming three of these rivals in the Prix de Guiche. A big horse with a very long stride, he is likely to be ridden prominently in an effort to break his rivals from the front. Could be difficult to peg back if he gets rolling.