1

Giavellotto

A big horse which will help as he has top weight to carry. He had some G1 winning stayers behind him when winning a G2 at York last May and a big chance if he can repeat that.

2

Breakup

Off the track since failing to figure in the Melbourne Cup last November. Earlier in 2023 had collected placemoney in G2 and G1 staying races in Japan. So not short of class.

3

Iron Barows

A sizzling pace would help as his best efforts seem to have come over extreme distances, as he showed when winning a 3600m G2 at Nakayama in December.

4

Echt

Problems for him are modest efforts – albeit in hot company – in recent starts and the fact that he is unproven at this trip. A G3 handicap winner over 2000m last August.

5

Al Nayyir

Generally consistent and versatile in terms of surface and distance. Caught in the last stride of a competitive Listed event over 2810m at Meydan last month. Belongs on the shortlist.

6

Big Call

Usually quick from the gates, tactics that worked perfectly when he led virtually throughout to win a 3100m G3 at Longchamp, 64 days after having finished a good fourth in this event.

7

Libyan Glass

A three-times winner in Japan who may well be capable of further progress. But he needs to prove himself at this staying trip.

8

Skazino

Very disappointing in this race in 2022. Has tried G1 staying company in France without looking like winning but did win a Listed event over this trip at Saint-Cloud last June.

9

Enemy

Didn’t have the best of passages, doing really well to finish second in this last year. His last three starts suggest he retains all his ability so he comes here with hopes.

10

Roberto Escobarr

Twice a G3 winner over staying distances last year, the latter coming with a powerful front-running display on very soft ground in Milan. Also happy on a quicker surface.

11

Tower Of London

Ran below his best when last seen, perhaps hindered by the hard race he had when fourth in the G1 St Leger Stakes at Doncaster previously. Will be fresh after a break and from this stable will be respected.

12

Diva Donna

Did run second – at 97-1 – in a 2800m G1 at Longchamp in September. However, she is not the most consistent so this will need to be one of her good days.

13

First Minister

The convincing winner of 2200m G3 when trained by French master Andre Fabre at Longchamp last May but hasn’t nearly matched those achievements since moving to Saudi Arabia.

14

Pin Your Hopes

Twice a winner when trained in Ireland and ran respectably when ninth in this race last year, though never threatening. Nothing special since.