1

Anmaat

Swooped late to produce a 40-1 shock in last season’s G1 English Champion Stakes. Lost nothing in defeat when runner-up in a G1 at Royal Ascot. Turns up at Leopardstown as connections believe their seven-year-old is best in soft ground. 

2

Royal Champion

Booked his ticket when a strongly-backed impressive winner of a 2051m G2 at York in July, sprinting clear of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hopeful Almaqam. Will appreciate rain-softened ground. 

3

Shin Emperor

Japanese globe trotter took third in this race last year. A winner on Saudi Cup day’s undercard in Riyadh in February he was well beaten in only run since in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m).

4

White Birch

This talented but lightly raced G1 winning five-year-old has been kept under wraps since an unlucky in running fourth in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in May due to unsuitably good ground. Runs here in preparation for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

5

Delacroix

The regally-bred Aidan O’Brien three-year-old holds outstanding claims. Opened his G1 account in the Eclipse Stakes. On a retrieval mission after race tactics conspired against him last time out in the G1 International Stakes.

6

Hotazhell

Beat Delacroix by a nose in a G1 at Doncaster as a two-year-old but has failed to build on that form this term and was well held when meeting Delacroix again in the Eclipse Stakes.

7

Mount Kilimanjaro

Another Aidan O’Brien contender who showed plenty of fight to land a Listed race at Chester in May by a neck. Well beaten on only start since.

8

Zahrann

Exciting prospect on his first attempt at G1 level. Downed triple G1 winner Los Angeles, finishing strongly, in a G3 last month. Astute trainer has high hopes he has the necessary improvement to play a major role.