1

Battleground

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, who has won this race eight times since 2000. Won G2 at Goodwood then second in G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf but flopped when favourite for 2000 Guineas. Ascot expected to suit better than Newmarket but doubts remain.

2

Bullace

Likeable and improved to be close third in good Listed race last month but faces an uphill battle.

3

Chindit

Won G2 at Doncaster last year and G3 at Newbury on return this year. Creditable fifth in 2000 Guineas but behind Poetic Flare and Lucky Vega. A fair chance.

4

Highland Avenue

Improving Godolphin horse. Just beaten by Mostahdaf following a hat-trick of wins. Likely to improve again and a live contender.

5

La Barrosa

Stablemate of Highland Avenue. Close second in G3 at Newmarket in April. Faded and well beaten when behind Poetic Flare and Lucky Vega in Irish 2000 Guineas. Faster ground might help.

6

Lucky Vega

High class 2-y-o. Close third behind Poetic Flare in 2000 Guineas then staying on fourth on soft ground (Poetic Flare second) in Irish 2000 Guineas. Faster ground should suit and likely to run well.

7

Maximal

Improved to be second in Listed race at Chester last month over 2064m. Likely to improve again but this probably too tough.

8

Mostahdaf

A leading contender. Unbeaten in three races and beat Highland Avenue in Listed race at Sandown last month. More improvement expected on better ground.

9

Naamoos

Improving fast. Left clear when nearest rival unseated rider in easy success in good handicap at Sandown in April. This a big step up but may cope with it.

10

Ontario

Stablemate of Battleground and one of Aidan O’Brien runners. Won one from nine, last in Listed race last month and an unlikely winner.

11

Poetic Flare

Tough and talented, won 2000 Guineas and just beaten in Irish equivalent. Will be third demanding race within a month but a leading chance.

12

Thunder Moon

Won G1 National Stakes on only his second outing last year and a creditable third in G1 Dewhurst Stakes but very disappointing last in 2000 Guineas. A big question mark after that.

13

Wembley

One of the Aidan O’Brien squad. Runner-up to Thunder Moon in the G1 National Stakes and a place ahead of him when second in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes but well beaten in the 2000 Guineas and Irish 2000 Guineas. Needs to show he has trained on.