1

Cambridge

Top weight as he drops in grade from his last three starts being at a G3 and G2 level. Briefly look threatening in a York G2 last time, then fading but still running decently.

2

Black Run

Contrasting efforts on his last two starts, leading throughout to win a Newmarket handicap over this trip but then completely failing to build on that at Newbury.

3

Arabic Legend

Didn’t look to stay a longer trip than this on his last start, having not been beaten far over this distance in Listed company at Epsom previously.

4

Treasure

A big filly who looks to need time, she made no show in a G1 Epsom Classic last time, having done much better at Lingfield previously. Down in trip and class.

5

Balmacara

Won two 1405m novice events early in the season but struggled to cope with the jump to Listed class last time. Up sharply in trip. Soft ground preferred.

6

Nerano

An unexposed colt who ran well on his turf debut in a competitive handicap at the Curragh last month. This longer trip should suit with the trainer hoping for fast ground.

7

Primo Lara

Proven at this trip and in great shape, travelling strongly before delivering winning punches at Chelmsford and York. Could still be ahead of the handicapper.

8

Hand Of God

Likely to be popular as he rises to this trip, having led from gate to wire in a 1600m Sandown handicap in April. Has deliberately been kept fresh for this.

9

Palace Green

Facts and figures suggest that he has improved since being gelded, easily winning at Kempton and running at least as well when third at York on his handicap debut.

10

Approval

Progressive in novice events especially when up to this trip – leading from the start and drawing clear at Windsor recently. Interesting for a top trainer on this handicap debut.

11

Dambuster

On his first start of the year and since being gelded, he had too much boot in the closing stages for five rivals in a soft-ground novices’ event at Beverley. Handicapping now.

12

Miletus

Handicap debut but had made quite a splash in a novices’ event at Windsor in May, with a decisive front-running victory. Stamina for this longer trip possible but not certain.

13

Old Faithful

Has won his last two starts without his rider having to resort to the whip, latterly over a similar trip to this in a handicap at Navan this month. Would appreciate a strong pace.

14

Grey Cuban

Is 0-7 on a turf surface and didn’t make a huge impact in an Epsom handicap early this month.

15

Whiskey Pete

A soft-ground handicap winner at York last October. Didn’t run badly at Epsom early this month but probably needs a slow surface to be seen at his best.

16

Portsmouth

All good efforts – including an Epsom handicap victory – since being gelded. Ran really well over a similar trip to this back at Epsom responding well after racing too keenly.

Reserves

17

Bubbles Wonky

Won a novices’ event on very testing ground last season. A solid second on his 2024 return at Catterick but then ran poorly at Epsom after racing too keenly.

18

Redhot Whisper

Placed on all three starts since being gelded, doing best on his handicap debut this month when briefly threatening victory at Epsom, finishing a respectable third.

19

The Ice Phoenix

Up to this trip for the first time though does have winning Ascot experience, leading throughout to win a handicap over the straight 1600m here in May.