1

Alflaila

A fast improver late last year and returned 294 days later with another excellent performance when quickening up nicely to pick off his rivals in a G2 at York in July. No trip or ground worries. Chance.

2

Luxembourg

In terrific form at this time last year, getting the better of a sustained battle with Onesto to win this G1, run on soft ground. Another G1 victory came at The Curragh in May, leading throughout then.

3

Onesto

Had a four-times subsequent Group winner just behind him when landing a Longchamp G1 last year, then posting a career best when a close second in this. A solid fourth over an inadequate trip at Deauville last month.

4

Point Lonsdale

Disappointing in G1 company on his last two starts. Perhaps the drop in trip will help as he did win a G3 at The Curragh and a G2 at Chester over similar trips to this earlier in the season.

5

Nashwa

This super tough and generally consistent triple G1 winning filly ran another cracking race when only finding the bang in-form Mostahdaf just too strong in a York G1 last month. Trip ideal.

6

Al Riffa

A G1 winner as a 2yo last season, and a solid second in a G3 and a G2 – both at this trip – this season. Particularly good when a battling second behind Ace Impact at Deauville last month.

7

Auguste Rodin

Occasionally bitterly disappointing as he was at Ascot last time. But he did win the Derby in both England and Ireland this season so his class can’t be questioned. This shorter trip is not an issue.

8

King Of Steel

Briefly looked like landing a 66-1 shock in the Derby at Epsom, proving that no fluke with a convincing G2 win at Royal Ascot. Couldn’t sustain his challenge – after racing too keenly – in an Ascot G1 last time. This drop in trip looks a plus.

9

Sprewell

Back to the course and distance that saw him easily win a slow-ground G3 back in May, prior to finishing fourth in the Derby Stakes despite not looking happy on that track. Not at his best in the Irish Derby.