1

Saltonstall

A nine-time winner with a distinct preference for slow ground. Didn’t find conditions slow enough when tenth in this last year. Almost scored a surprise victory here in March.

2

Snapraeterea

Has been tried as high as G2 level and has gained two Listed wins – all four career wins having come on a slow surface. Returned from an absence with a fair run at Cork in May.

3

Casanova

From a stable that won this two years ago. Some good performances without winning so far this season, the best of them being his close third of 27 in a hot slow-ground handicap here in March.

4

Current Option

Lots of experience at The Curragh, with some lively efforts – including leading for most of the trip here last time – but no wins so far. Beginning to look more favourably handicapped.

5

Rahmi

It didn’t take him long to get off the mark in Ireland having moved from France, grabbing the money in the last strides of a Premier Handicap here in May. Belongs on the shortlist on that evidence.

6

Chazzesmee

Has had issues with many gaps between races. Has really come into his own now winning his last two starts, latterly with a comfortable 1400m heavy-ground handicap victory at Naas.

7

Joe Masseria

Has had a break since returning to winning form in April, leading close home in a slow-ground 1400m handicap at Cork. Handles this longer trip but testing ground conditions again are needed.

8

Earls

A tough handicapper who tries hard though he could never get competitive off a career high handicap mark last time. His winning surge at Cork previously had looked like his best ever run.

9

Arniemac

Just three runs so far, doing best with a comfortable maiden success at Killarney on his latest start, with the second boosting the form with a subsequent victory. Interesting on his handicap debut.

10

Blues Emperor

Has gradually progressed since starting his handicap career and quickened into the lead at a crucial stage when winning at Naas over this trip on his last start. Tough and genuine.

11

Cordouan

Yet to win on turf but has so far only had two attempts at proving his grass credentials. On turf at Limerick last time and though the soft ground looked against him he still ran OK there.

12

Howyoulikethat

Sole turf win came in a Leopardstown handicap about a year ago. That was impressive but he has struggled off notably higher marks in subsequent turf handicaps.

13

Tosen Wish

Two respectable efforts in handicaps since joining this stable. A small colt, he looks best suited to a slow surface.

14

Celtic Crown

Has winning course and distance form here seeing off a big field in a handicap last year since when she has moved to this stable. Some good and less good efforts so far this year.

15

Brave Troop

His decisive handicap victories at Navan and Gowran Park earlier this season has made his handicap mark look tricky, but he certainly was not disgraced here last time, and the drop back in trip may help.

16

Farnborough

Makes a swift return nine days after gaining his first victory – possibly losing concentration after leading most of the way – but still having enough in hand to land that 1600m Limerick maiden.

17

Cheers Again

His two wins have come on all-weather surfaces and he is 0-7 on turf. Some fair efforts lately but he’s probably not good enough for this.

18

No More Porter

Fitted with a tongue tie and cheekpieces. Reliable, continuing to finish close up in handicaps without proving quite good enough so his handicap mark remains challenging. Softish ground is helpful.

19

Inchturk

The winner of a maiden over this trip last season but soundly beaten in three handicaps since. Very hard to fancy.

20

Sirjack Thomas

Not very consistent but was at his best and also confirmed his liking for this track when winning a 20 runner handicap over this course and distance in May. Prefers good ground more than soft.

21

Zabeir

First start since gaining a decisive first career victory in a 1400m maiden on the Dundalk all-weather surface. No worries with a return to turf but perhaps race fitter rivals could prove too strong.

22

Gambe Veloci

Gained his first career win with a comfortable success in a Limerick maiden in April. Quite promising when sixth of 20 on his handicap debut here subsequently.

23

Super Over

This looks his ideal trip but his three career wins have all come on all-weather surfaces and he is 0-5 on turf plus facing lots of grass specialists here.