1

Glenfinnan

The front-running winner of a maiden on his final 2022 start. Facing battle-hardened rivals on his return 301 days later, he just tired in the closing stages at Newmarket, an encouraging effort.

2

Metal Merchant

His two wins came last season – including in a handicap over this trip. Putting in good late work when third in an Ascot handicap last month. Looks versatile in terms of ground.

3

Skysail

Very encouraging that his only previous Goodwood run resulted in an impressive slow-ground handicap success here in May. A good second in first-time cheekpieces at Ascot last month.

4

Isle Of Jura

Hit top form last month winning handicaps over this trip at Newbury and Newmarket. He has to compete under a 6lb penalty here but does look like a progressive performer.

5

Ottoman Prince

From a stable to be respected in these races but, though he started favourite, he failed to quicken when it mattered on last month’s handicap debut and first attempt at this trip.

6

Sea Eagle

Has only competed in maidens so far but looked to be a progressive type last season, latterly when easily winning over this trip at Chelmsford. Admittedly those behind him then have not shone since.

7

Novus

Clearly happy at Goodwood as shown by a 1400m handicap success here in May. Also performed well at Sandown in July. Soft ground looks to bring out her best.

8

Metahorse

Has improved since moving stables, finishing a close third and a close second at Chester and Epsom respectively. Didn’t have quite enough late pace last time, and the return to 1600m looks a plus.

9

Man Of Eden

No wins from nine turf starts, despite having started favourite on several occasions. However three of his runs this year were good efforts over this course and distance and that is encouraging.

10

Wildfell

Gained four successive handicap victories earlier this year encouraging connections to go for a Listed event at Newmarket but, after racing too keenly, he faded out. May again struggle here.

11

Roarin’ Success

Returning from a 231 day break she looked as though the outing was needed but she galloped on strongly up Ascot’s straight 1600m to record a convincing victory. Progressive based on that.

12

John Chard Vc

Gelded since last season but has not shown much zip in two 2023 starts – including at this track. Hard to imagine that he can win this.

13

Alpha Crucis

Looked to appreciate the slow ground when landing a Windsor handicap over this trip in April. Probably in front too soon when subsequently second at Epsom.

14

Lunatick

No wins from six starts but possibly unlucky not to win a maiden over this trip at Bath on his latest start, having to wait before able to challenge.

15

Spioradalta

An exposed gelding who has already raced 16 times. Gained his third win when finishing strongly down the wide outside at Chester last month. Soft ground looks necessary.

16

Naval Academy

Has winning form in France over this trip. Makes his UK debut in this handicap.

17

Monopolise

Would have chances here if showing the same sparkle as when bravely winning a Yarmouth handicap. Much less good at Ascot last time.

18

Merry Minister

A winner of a slow ground 1400m novice’s event at Thirsk in June. Then ran modestly when tried over a longer trip than this.

19

Cancan In The Rain

Showed plenty of zip when a close third in a fast-ground handicap over this course and distance in June. Dropping in class he then responded well to pressure to justify favouritism at Newmarket.

20

Dream Of Mischief

Unlucky not to win a handicap here in June, continually denied a clear run. Goes well over this trip and on a good or slower surface as he showed with a Windsor victory last time.