1

Fort Payne

An easy 1800m Listed winner on Chantilly’s all-weather surface in March, then a close third in a 1800m G3 on the grass, also at Chantilly. Respectable chances of handling this longer trip, but some rivals look preferred.

2

Derab

Has only competed in maiden and novice company but has looked increasingly smart, latterly when surging clear of 12 rivals – his rider barely having to move – over 1600m at Newmarket. Interesting from last year’s winning stable.

3

Makaloun

The winner of five of his six starts, gaining his second G3 victory with a narrow but decisive Chantilly victory over 1800m last month. As his record suggests he is super-consistent as well as talented.

4

Saiydabad

Has won all three starts and, though the winning margins have been narrow, the facts and figures suggest substantial improvement each time, latterly with a 2000m Listed Chantilly victory early last month.

5

El Drama

By Lope De Vega, the 2010 winner of this, he was an outsider for a Listed event at Chester last month after twice failing to win all-weather events earlier this year. Despite still looking inexperienced he was well on top at the end and over a trip similar to this one.

6

Millebosc

All three of his runs have involved tight finishes in which he has battled hard. A Deauville winner last season but narrowly beaten twice at Chantilly this year, latterly in an 1800m G3. Should stay this trip, but doesn’t look quite good enough.

7

Royal Word

Has won his last two races in Prague, over 1800m and 1600m. However he is competing at a completely different level here, and surely won’t be good enough.

8

St Mark’s Basilica

A G1 winner on his last two starts suggests that he has real class. He showed impressive acceleration at Longchamp to sweep past his rivals in a 1600m G1 Longchamp Classic last month and his trainer doesn’t sound too worried about the step up in trip. Big chance.

9

Baby Rider

From a stable who have won this Classic six times, and though this colt hasn’t looked a superstar he does everything right, winning his last three starts latterly with a narrow victory in a G2 trial for this at Saint-Cloud.

10

Pretty Tiger

Twice a winner on the all-weather at Cagnes-Sur-Mer, and, though very impressive each time, hardly a normal preparation for this G1 Classic. However very good efforts in Listed and G3 company – latterly bravely winning at Longchamp only to be demoted for interference – suggest it is worth him trying for this big prize.

11

Policy Of Truth

A G3 Longchamp winner on his 2021 return and then was fourth to St Mark’s Basilica in a 1600m G1 Classic at Longchamp, not settling particularly well and meeting interference in the straight. Some concerns about whether the step up to 2100m will help.

12

Sealiway

Survived the deep ground better than his four rivals when storming to an 8L G1 victory over 1400m at Longchamp last October. Not quite as good since and also has stamina issues. 

13

Smile Makers

Has twice won minor events over 2000m at Provincial French tracks, most recently leading most of the way in a 2100m G2 at Saint-Cloud, just outspeeded by Baby Rider late on. Has plenty of stamina, but may lack enough pace.

14

Ninth Titan

Won his first two starts – on all-weather tracks – and made a solid start on grass when runner-up over 2200m at Chantilly. However only a length separated the first five horses that day and that form does not look strong.

15

Megallan

Earned his place in this field, and proved that he stayed this distance when posting a career-best effort finishing second in a G2 at York in May, making steady headway and just failing to outrun one very smart rival.

16

Normandy Bridge

A high class two-year-old, including second in a G1. Could be about to strike top three-year-old form as he had little luck in a G1 Classic at Longchamp last month, getting badly messed about on the home turn, but finishing purposefully. This longer trip should suit.

17

Van Gogh

Switched from the Derby at Epsom to this shorter option. He stylishly galloped clear of his rivals in a Saint-Cloud G1 last October. Put a disappointing G1 Newmarket performance behind him with a much better G1 third at The Curragh. Slow ground looks ideal.

18

Adhamo

Surged clear in an 1800m Longchamp G3 on very soft ground in April. But disappointed when favourite for a Chantilly G3 last month. Hampered late on then, but he still would not have won.

19

Cheshire Academy

Won his first two starts at a Provincial French track but proved he could compete at a much higher level when launching a powerful run down the outside to finish a close runner-up in a G3 at Longchamp in April, then getting awarded the race.