1

Diligent Harry

From an in-form stable who have won this G1 before. In fine shape this year latterly with a close G2 third at York. Ascot’s demanding 1000m should suit him well.

2

Emaraaty Ana

A G1 winner over 1200m at Haydock back in 2021. Still fast, winning two of his last four starts – including the victory in Doha in February – but some younger rivals may prove too quick.

3

Equality

Back in the winners’ slot when dropping from group to handicap company at Musselburgh – winning despite top weight. Outpaced late on in a Haydock G2 since.

4

Kerdos

Only beaten a neck in a 1000m handicap at this meeting last year. Showed himself in great heart when winning a Haydock G2 sprint last month. Best on good or slow ground.

5

Regional

A huge improver in 2023 winning three of his four starts including a 1200m G1 at Haydock. Ran really well on his only 2024 start and chances if Ascot suits.

6

Rogue Lightning

Not a disaster but looked to struggle on the very slow ground on his 2024 return. Clearly happy over this course and distance, landing a handicap here last August.

7

Twilight Calls

Second in this in 2022 and fourth last year, both times doing really well considering tardy starts. His close G3 fourth at Newmarket on his 2024 return was also encouraging.

8

Asfoora

A four-time Australian G2/G3 winner, he pleased supporters with his G2 fourth at Haydock on his UK debut, especially as the ground was slower than preferable.

9

Believing

Never dangerous in a 1200m G1 at Sha Tin in April but did much better back on home territory when comfortably winning a 1000m Haydock Listed event on 8 June.

10

Makarova

Decent efforts in G1 company last year without ever threatening to win. A late closer, she finished strongly to get second in a soft-ground G3 Longchamp sprint in May.

11

Vadream

Really needs soft ground to have any chance in strong company like this. Has won at this track in the past but ran poorly at Haydock on her most recent start.

12

Big Evs

Showed brilliant speed to lead throughout at this meeting as a 2yo last year and has won four of his five starts since including a G1 at Santa Anita. A major contender surely.

13

Kylian

Best at this trip, looking fast when blitzing his Listed-company rivals at Sandown in 2023. But has now three times finished behind Big Evs, including at York last month.

14

Purosangue

Closed down 2023 with a 1200m Listed victory on soft ground at York. Hasn’t run badly in two 2024 starts but this still looks hard.

15

Seven Questions

Won a G3 over this trip at Newmarket, leading close home. Then a solid third in a Haydock G2 but worries that this quirky sprinter will handle the bustle of Royal Ascot.

16

Valiant Force

Finishing strongly, he was only 1/2L behind Big Evs in a 1000m G1 at Santa Anita last November. A fair fourth on the dirt at Gulfsteam Park last time. Wants a fast turf surface.

17

Crimson Advocate

Trained in the US when making a successful Royal Ascot raid last year, showing terrific speed to win a 1000m G2. Prepped for this with a Gulfstream Park victory last month.