1

Almaqam

Having his fourth start with race-by-race progress so far, latterly striding clear of his five rivals in a 1600m Listed event at Sandown. This is much harder, but still worth a try.

2

Alyanaabi

Looked classy in two starts last season, and quite a bit of encouragement from his fifth to Notable Speech in a G1 Newmarket Classic on his 2024 return, racing a bit too keenly.

3

Darlinghurst

Has won all four starts this year, notably a comfortable 1L victory (ridden prominently) in an 1800m G3 at Chantilly. The second was subsequently runner-up in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club.

4

Henry Longfellow

Won all three starts last season, latterly in a 1400m G1 at the Curragh. Only eighth in a G1 Longchamp Classic on his return, but nothing went right in that. Improvement expected.

5

Metropolitan

The surprise winner of a 1600m Longchamp G1 in May when exploiting a perfect trip, and brave late on. Admittedly the form of that French Classic has not been polished since.

6

Notable Speech

Rapid race-by-race progress latterly when surging from the back to win a 1600m G1 Classic at Newmarket, the second having won a G1 Irish Classic since. The one to beat.

7

Rosallion

Two excellent 1600m performances this year, second to Notable Speech at Newmarket in G1 2000 Guineas in early May, then gaining his second career G1 victory in the Irish equivalent. A major contender.

8

Unquestionable

Rounded off 2023 with a big-money G1 1600m firm-ground victory at Santa Anita. Couldn’t sustain his challenge in a G1 Irish Classic last month, still a promising effort.