1

Carl Spackler

Will be an outsider, despite it being the first start for this top stable and being a triple G1 winner over this trip in the US. Will need to upgrade two UK starts but it’s possible.

2

Cicero’s Gift

Mostly running well this season and, despite racing too keenly, was too strong for five rivals in Listed class at Sandown. Will need the slow ground he encountered then.

3

Dancing Gemini

A G2 winner at Sandown earlier in 2025 and then only just caught in a Newbury G1. Mixed fortunes since and Ascot does not look his ideal track plus slow ground preferred.

4

Docklands

Despite his jockey dropping his whip at a crucial stage, he still managed a narrow G1 victory over Rosallion over this C&D in June. Fast ground would give him big race Ascot hopes again.

5

Facteur Cheval

Narrowly won a huge prize at Meydan last year. Has so far failed in the search for another big international pot but second in this for the past two years so hard to ignore.

6

Never So Brave

Massive improvement since joining this stable and being gelded, winning a top handicap, a G2 and, in August, a 1400m G1 at York. Chances on good or faster ground.

7

Quddwah

A rewarding five-race season has featured two French victories, in Listed and G3 company. Could improve on his fifth in this last year on good or slower ground.

8

Rosallion

A dual G1 winner last year but – despite his 1600m brilliance – has failed to win in 2025. But three very narrow G1 defeats – including over this C&D – means he deserves lots of respect.

9

Alakazi

A super consistent and progressive profile, though it will take yet another step forward in this high-class affair. Kept responding to his rider when landing a Leopardstown G2 last month.

10

Fallen Angel

Only start at Ascot did not see her best. But she’s a remarkably talented five-times G1 winning filly including over this trip on her last three starts and bossing throughout at Newmarket this month.

11

Field Of Gold

Possesses memorable acceleration, including a superb 2025 G1 victory at this trip but over the round course here. Rested since not showing his usual sparkle at Goodwood.

12

Marvelman

Hasn’t tackled this trip yet but keeps on getting better over shorter. Most recently he skipped clear of his rivals after leading 400m out in a 1405m G2 at Doncaster.

13

Tamfana

Ran well in this last year without being able to handle two male rivals, having beaten her own sex in a Newmarket G1 previously. Again effective in a light 2025 season but a personal best needed.

14

The Lion In Winter

Always highly regarded by his brilliant trainer but, tried over a variety of distances, has struggled to live up to expectations. A good G1 third at ParisLongchamp last month was quite positive.

15

Exactly

No 2025 wins but has tackled G1 company on her last six starts and on several occasions has briefly looked like winning. Could show up well but not an obvious winner.

16

January

Now fitted with a tongue strap after looking to go off the boil on her last two starts. But she has class, not beaten far in three G1s over this trip earlier in the season.