1

Cape Gentleman

Lightly raced 5-y-o. High class hurdler and won last year’s Irish Cesarewitch over 3200m. A serious contender.

2

Island Brave

An able and solid performer but has yet to show that he stays this far and probably won’t.

3

Lucky Deal

Stays well but recent form discouraging and doesn’t look well handicapped. An unlikely winner.

4

Lethal Steps

A decent hurdler but not run on Flat since 2019 and has to show that is good enough and stays the trip. An unlikely winner.

5

Solo Saxophone

A decent performer who stays 3300m but not bred to stay any further. Improved last year but well beaten on return in April off a higher handicap mark. Victory would be a surprise.

6

Reshoun

A decent performer but needs to build on a moderate run on his return in last month’s Chester Cup.

7

Rayapour

Trained by Willie Mullins, who has won this race four times since 2012. Rayapour had good Flat form over 2400m in France in 2019, reappearing for Mullins last month when third in a maiden hurdle over 3855m. Has to be taken seriously although stamina untested and may prefer softer ground.

8

M C Muldoon

Decent and improving hurdler for Willie Mullins. Not run on Flat since 2018 when fair form for another stable. Not ruled out.

9

Trumpet Man

Improved last autumn to win three in a row over 3200m. Fifth, just behind Coeur De Lion, in Chester Cup last month and similar chance to him.

10

Elysian Flame

Mixes Flat racing and hurdling. Been in good form this year. Behind Postilio in Chester Plate last month. An outside chance.

11

Lostwithiel

Lightly raced 4-y-o running well over 2800m this year. Seems certain to improve and a likely contender.

12

Untold Story

Interesting runner. A 4-y-o who has raced only four times, already decent and improving over 2400m. A good chance that he will appreciate further.

13

Royal Illusion

9-y-o. Some fair form at up to 3400m. Held by Cape Gentleman on last year’s run in Irish Cesarewitch. Hurdling since. Trainer Willie Mullins has better prospects.

14

Coeur De Lion

Won this last year for jumps trainer Alan King, who does well with his Flat runners. Showed return to form when good fourth in Chester Cup over 3727m last month. A fine chance.

15

Postileo

Another lightly raced 4-y-o. Patiently trained and improving steadily this year. Excuses for slightly disappointing most recent run but stays well and has a good chance.

16

Mancini

Seventh and ninth in this race in 2019 and 2020. Well beaten on return last month and unlikely to improve his record in this race.

17

Rochester House

Some solid form at up to 4100m. Respectable run from moderate draw in Chester Cup last month, behind Coeur De Lion and Trumpet Man. Similar chance to them.

18

Just Hubert

Narrowly beat Rochester House over 4122m at Goodwood last year. Creditable third to Frankenstella after seven month break. A good chance.

19

Golden Rules

Lightly raced 4-y-o. Shown good level of ability over 2800m, certain to improve and a live contender if stays the trip.

20

Dalton Highway

8-y-o making first appearance at Ascot. Well beaten on return last month and seems to be in decline.