1

Best Secret

A very progressive French-trained handicapper who – despite looking a difficult ride – finished strongly for third in a hot Royal Ascot handicap. Chance.

2

Nebras

Not raced since a poor show at Sandown on 29 May. He had done much better when second in Listed company over this trip previously. Handicapping now.

3

Calla Lagoon

A soft-ground Ascot maiden winner last year and ran quite well on his 2025 return in a Chester Listed event on 8 May. Not raced since.

4

Marhaba Ghaiyyath

Good handicap efforts on his last three starts, and, though racing a bit too freely early on, his close second at Newmarket this month was a clear career best. Raised 6lb.

5

Dante’s Lad

One of plenty in this who are on an upward curve. Moving up to this sort of trip has helped with victories at York and Windsor.

6

Seagolazo

Showed a fighting attitude, also delivering an improved performance when a close third over 1600m at Newmarket. Pedigree with mixed messages for this longer trip.

7

Parole d’Oro

Untried at this trip and will need to last it especially as they are likely to go hard. Only just failed in a tight finish at Newmarket this month.

8

Thunder Wonder

Hasn’t managed to progress since a victory at Musselburgh in June and also this longer trip could be an issue.

9

High Degree

The stable won this with a progressive type last year. He may be similar after a front-running victory with the first two clear in a 1600m maiden in July.

10

Daiquiri Bay

Promise prior to moving into a Royal Ascot handicap over further than this. Not disgraced then, but not obviously well handicapped.

11

Ernst Blofeld

Ran a shocker in first-time cheekpieces at Royal Ascot. Surely much better than that as he had shown previously. Needs to settle though.

12

Brise Noir

Looks best on a quick surface, those being the conditions when he was second at Windsor over around the same trip in June.

13

Hymnbook

All runs this year have been enthusiastic performances, running on willingly to only just miss out on an Ascot handicap victory this month.

14

Fort George

Finished fast to win a 1600m Newmarket handicap, then only just beaten here at Goodwood even though this track may not have been ideal for him.

15

Serenity Blue

Launched into handicap company now after fast-ground novice victories over a similar trip to this at Nottingham and Redcar.

16

Janey Mackers

Hasn’t so far lived up to some lofty expectations mentioned during her 2yo career, though not disgraced here last month.

17

Best Adventure

Irish-based jockey Shane Foley on board again as he was when this gelding won a 2000m handicap at Newmarket in May.

18

Magellan Cloud

Fitted with cheekpieces today, he has been running consistently well this season without quite managing a victory.