1

American Affair

Twice a sprint handicap win this season, and then did not look out of place in a G2 when fifth despite not getting a clear passage.

2

Bucanero Fuerte

A past G1 sprint winner. Following an unsuccessful spell at stud, he came back to his best when leading throughout in a 1000m Listed event at Naas last month.

3

Jasour

His most convincing performances so far over around 1200m, including when third in a Royal Ascot G1 last year.  Fitted with a hood.

4

Kerdos

Not beaten far in fifth in this last year when the ground was faster than ideal. Slow ground would give him a chance but otherwise hard to fancy.

5

Manaccan

Has plenty to do, returning from a 773-day absence. However, this track and trip have showed him at his best, with two victories over the 1000m here.

6

Night Raider

Has thrived since dropping in trip, and, though now down to 1000m for the first time and yet to win on turf, this front-running type might just be suited by an Ascot sprint.

7

Regional

Hasn’t won since a 2023 G1 sprinting triumph but has produced four very worthy runs – including second in this in 2024 – and only just beaten in a Meydan G1 in April. Chance.

8

Rumstar

Needs to do plenty better than his G2 Haydock sixth on his last start. But he had won a 1000m Newmarket G3 in May and also boasts C&D winning form here.

9

Starlust

Not the most consistent and doesn’t have a good Ascot record so far. But he did gain a shock victory in a Del Mar G1 sprint last November. Wants fast ground.

10

Twilight Calls

Did well to finish sixth in this last year after a slow start. However, his two starts this year don’t offer much hope for this challenge.

11

Washington Heights

Ran his best race for some time when third in a 1000m G2 sprint at Haydock last month. Races prominently and may even try for an early lead.

12

Asfoora

This Aussie-trained speedball ran a career-best when winning this last year. Looked as good as ever in Australia this year, though this time is without a UK lead-up prep.

13

Balmoral Lady

Only having her second start in Listed company when convincingly landing a Listed event at Haydock last month. Wants ground slower rather than faster.

14

Believing

Tended to finish strongly after getting outpaced last year -including when fourth in this. But looked more the finished article when winning a G1 at Meydan in April. Chance.

15

Frost At Dawn

Will be an outsider but seems to be getting better with age judging by her front-running Listed victory at Haydock last month. Wants quick ground.

16

Mgheera

A big improver since joining this stable cosily winning both starts, and this became the obvious target after her fast-finishing G2 victory at Haydock.

17

Monteille

This French-trained challenger delivered a personal best when winning a G3 sprint at Chantilly this month. She is used to racing on slow ground.
                                                        

18

No Half Measures

Her supporters will be hoping for some ease in the ground though this smart six-times winner can handle quick ground. A close second at Haydock last time.

19

Prime Art

Lightly-raced she came back from a 315-day absence to run a terrific second in a 1200m Listed event at Haydock. But may not be quite quick enough for this.

20

Aesterius

Disappointing on his 2025 return but should be sharper for that and was a G2 Doncaster winner last year. Could easily run well.

21

Estepona

Used to performing on much slower ground than is expected here which could be a problem, along with the fact that he looks vulnerable at a G1 level.

22

Tropical Storm

Showed sharp improvement on his latest start when leading close home in a 1000m York Listed race. Yet more improvement needed. Fast ground helpful.

23

West Acre

Had a great spell of sprinting at Meydan earlier in the year, including G2 and G3 victories. Couldn’t deliver a serious impact in a G1 in April.