1

Pied Piper

Sixth in this in 2022 and good efforts since, many in high class hurdle events. His second in a red-hot Newmarket handicap last October is another positive.

2

The Very Man

Has a 100% Ascot record winning a handicap over a shorter trip than this last August. Some more recent runs have been somewhat disappointing.

3

My Lyka

Has joined this formidable stable and been gelded having earlier had some success over shorter trips in France. His narrow defeat over hurdles last month was positive.

4

Boher Road

This Irish challenger has been thriving winning staying handicaps at Navan and Killarney on his last two starts. Will need to improve more to win this but it is possible.

5

Divine Comedy

Is proven at up to around 3200m, most recently with a career best performance over 3242m when winning easily at Haydock. A 9lb rise and this longer trip may present a problem.

6

Master Milliner

Well beaten two years ago in an even longer Royal Ascot race than this. He’s a six-times winner on the flat turf but the big gap since his last race is obviously an issue.

7

Tritonic

Hasn’t won on the flat turf since 2022 but does look to last this trip having finished third in this last year. And he’s on a 5lb easier handicap rating now.

8

Kyle Of Lochalsh

Not yet proven at this trip but arrives here on the back of a career-best performance when surging clear of his rivals at Salisbury. Possibilities if he has the required stamina.

9

Berkshire Rocco

Does have winning Ascot experience having led throughout to win a Listed event here back in 2020. Like others here he needs to prove himself at this trip. Best on fast ground.

10

Zanndabad

Likely to be popular after his close and slightly unlucky third of 16 in a competitive staying Chester handicap – often informative for this – last month. Acts on any ground.

11

Ndaawi

His two wins on the flat turf came over much shorter trips than this. Third of 22 in a high-class hurdle at Cheltenham in March, though not so good last time.

12

Nusret

Last win came in a hot 2800m handicap at the Curragh about a year ago. Needs to be ridden patiently with his trainer hoping for a fast surface.

13

Get Shirty

A past winner – on fast ground – at this track though over a notably shorter trip. Not easy to fancy though at least his handicap mark is on the slide.

14

Almuhit

Just two career wins, latterly grabbing the money in the last strides at Killarney in August 2023. Not an obvious winner but from a shrewd Irish stable.

15

Temporize

Proven at this trip having shown plenty of stamina to win a marathon handicap at Goodwood last August. Has also run well at Ascot. An interesting outsider.

16

Law Of The Sea

From a stable that often targets this marathon event, and he did well to finish fourth in this last year from a wide trip. Off a 3lb easier mark now compared to then.

17

The Grand Visir

This veteran has a fine Ascot record in the marathon events at this track and that includes winning this way back in 2019. Should be sharper for his only 2024 start.

18

Pledgeofallegiance

Has won four of his six starts on turf, most recently when this big and scopey horse outgalloped his rivals in a 3200m Goodwood handicap. Still looks nicely handicapped.

19

Nathanael Greene

Hasn’t won since landing a soft ground 2800m handicap at Haydock back in 2022 though has put in a few decent placed efforts. Hard to fancy.

20

Tenerife Sunshine

Not guaranteed to last this trip, though that applies to plenty of other Ascot Stakes contenders. But in good shape, winning a 3200m Goodwood handicap this month.