1

Comanche Brave

Briefly looked like winning a 1427m Leopardstown G3 in March, only beaten 1/2L by Henri Matisse whose subsequent G1 Classic success in France gives lots of gloss to that form. No fears with this trip.

2

Cosmic Year

Unbeaten in three starts, now moving up in class and from 1400m, but deserving a crack at this Classic. Too strong for nine rivals in 1400m Listed company at Newmarket this month.

3

Expanded

Last year he came close to winning a 1400m Newmarket G1 on just his second career start. Faded out of the argument on his return in Newmarket’s 2000 Guineas. Will need to be much sharper now.

4

Field Of Gold

Will start favourite. A hugely impressive G3 winner at Newmarket but just failed to follow up in the 2000 Guineas there, finishing very fast after his forward momentum briefly faltered. Big chance.

5

Hotazhell

Highly successful last season closing down 2024 with a soft-ground 1600m G1 win at Doncaster. Gave the impression throughout last year that he is very tough and loves a battle.

6

Officer

This superbly bred colt booked his ticket for this with a decisive Listed victory over this course and distance this month. Mature and strong, a good show here is very likely.

7

Rashabar

Twice narrowly beaten in French G1s on his last two 2024 starts, making a promising 2025 start when second – just tiring late on – in a G3 at Newbury last month. Should have benefitted from that. Up in trip but no stamina concerns.

8

Scorthy Champ

Zoomed from the rear to end 2024 with a terrific 1400m G1 victory at the Curragh. Well fancied for Newmarket’s 2000 Guineas on his return, but faded from a prominent position. Much too soon to write him off.

9

Windlord

Promising at this trip at two, moving up in distance for his 2025 return at Sandown -leading for most of the journey and only narrowly beaten, but he did hang in the closing stages. Others preferred.