1

Holloway Boy

Not seen since April when not good enough for a G1 at Meydan, his last win coming in a 2024 G3 at Haydock. Has run well at this track but this looks hard off top weight.

2

Native Warrior

On a winning roll at Ascot, twice landing big-field 1400m handicaps here on his last two starts. Has improved for a visor and another weight rise may not stop him.

3

Godwinson

Didn’t make much impact in this race last year but won a major UK handicap in March. Disappointed as favourite for his latest start. Perhaps there were excuses.

4

Witch Hunter

Lots of experience on the straight course here including third in this last year. A former G2 winner who exploited a dropping handicap mark with a victory last month.

5

Ebt’s Guard

Has a testing mark these days but he did land an Ascot handicap in August, his second victory of 2025.

6

Cerulean Bay

Comes here in good winning form, racing prominently each time when winning Goodwood handicaps over this trip. Might still be one step ahead of the handicapper.

7

Golden Mind

Well held on his last two starts and, though he won a Newcastle handicap in August, is hard to fancy over a trip that looks further than ideal.

8

Great Acclaim

An honest performer with plenty of worthy performances in handicaps such as this and not beaten far over 1400m here on his last two starts.

9

Arisaig

Hasn’t won for over a year but plenty of good placed efforts this year including over this C&D. Best on a quick surface.

10

Fifth Column

Fancied for a major 1800m Newmarket handicap last month but raced too keenly and tired. Had previously beaten a big field at York. Looks best on a quick surface. Chance.

11

Hafeet Alain

Briefly trained by Douglas Whyte in Hong Kong much earlier in his career. This tough veteran came back from another absence to lead throughout at Sandown in May.

12

Shout

Unlucky at times earlier this year but everything went right over this C&D last month when comprehensively defeating 16 rivals. Soft ground then but fine if it is faster.

13

Crown Of Oaks

Likely to be one of the favourites after a succession of compelling handicap efforts – albeit over further – including a runaway victory here. Looks best on a slow surface.

14

Orandi

An Irish challenger who came from the back and survived traffic problems to win a hot 1600m handicap at the Curragh in March. Two good efforts out of three since then.

15

Oliver Show

Hasn’t won for over a year but did prove himself over a straight 1600m when only caught in the last stride of a major early season handicap at Doncaster in March.

16

Greek Order

Had a brief spell in the US. Has often been fancied since his return but has struggled to deliver though not beaten far a few times including over this C&D at Royal Ascot.

17

Theoryofeverything

Has won over the straight mile here which is a definite plus and also looking in good shape on recent performances. Probably needs a slow surface to excel.

18

Bobby Bennu

With 1400m being his regular trip, his forward move ran out of steam here last month. Not easy to fancy though the stable have won this before.

19

Tribal Chief

Having his first start at Ascot, but he did swoop fast in the straight at Goodwood to win a handicap in August. That came on a fast surface.

20

Bopedro

A regular in classy handicaps such as this and some runs this year show that he is still very capable despite his advanced age. But a long time since he actually won a race.

Reserves

21

Aalto

Fitted with a hood and tongue strap now in an attempt to revive his fortunes. Had gone close to a shock win in a 1400m Newmarket handicap in July.

22

Galeron

Had a spell in Australia but he is a rare winner and, though in decent shape on recent starts, three previous Ascot starts have not seen him at his best.

23

Classic

Led throughout to win a fast-ground handicap over this trip at Sandown in July and came very close to a victory here later that month. A disappointing favourite last time.