1

Alounak

Will need to raise his game sharply from a poor effort here on his 2021 return. But he did run a cracking second in a Royal Ascot G2 over this trip in 2020.

2

Zabeel Champion

This tough and talented colt has won his last three starts, latterly over this trip at Newmarket. Has been targeted for this, a race his stable have a good record in.

3

Win O’Clock

Has won over further than this so no stamina issues. Keeps running decently and seems best suited by slow ground.

4

Mirann

His second over 2000m at The Curragh last time was possibly a career best, especially as he twice encountered trouble. Stays this longer trip. Slow ground ideal.

5

Raymond Tusk

If the rain arrives to soften conditions then he has a chance, especially after his good second – at long odds – in a York handicap over this trip in May.

6

Favorite Moon

Cleverly targeted to win a G3 at Rosehill, Australia. That was on slow ground over this trip. Chances if the rain comes.

7

Pirate King

From a stable with a good Royal Ascot record. He has won four of his last ten starts though all on all-weather surfaces. He has won on turf and looks fairly handicapped.

8

Scarlet Dragon

Loves to pass horses and a really fast gallop would help his claims here. That was the scenario when Holly Doyle steered him to victory in this race last year.

9

Aaddeey

His handicap mark is rising but that is because of two improved efforts this season, and he looked the likely winner a long way out in a Newmarket handicap last month.

10

Tyson Fury

A strong colt who won a novices’ event over this course and distance last October. However well beaten on both starts this year, and dismal here last time.

11

Tritonic

Expected to be sharper for a run over an inadequate 2000m last time, though he did run second over a similar trip in a 2020 Royal Ascot handicap. Slow ground ideal.

12

Dark Pine

Competes off a career-high handicap mark but deserves that after his career-best success, at Chester. Didn’t look a likely winner that day, but then found terrific acceleration.

13

Quickthorn

Mentally and physically he seems in the right place now, and surged clear of his rivals at Haydock on his only start this season. Rain would be helpful.

14

Jeremiah

Clearly happy over this course and distance winning a handicap here last July, blinkered for the first time then. Raced too freely on only 2021 start, still a good effort.

15

Grand Bazaar

Has a fighting attitude and also positive that he was only just caught over this course and distance last August. Plenty of promise from his 2021 return.

16

Lost Eden

Plenty of excuses – including slow ground – for a dismal effort here and much too soon to write him off on turf even though his previous runs and wins were on the all-weather.

17

Khagan

Yet to thrive since moving from France to the UK and being gelded. This trip looked his best in France.

18

Valyrian Steel

Comes here in great shape after all-weather handicap wins at Kempton over similar trips to this. His trainer thinks he has a big handicap win in him.

19

Sam Cooke

Versatile groundwise, he is a real stayer and the faster they go the better for him. He has proven good form over this course and distance.

Reserves

20

Protected Guest

A four-times turf winner who has been maintaining a reasonably good level since winning on the Lingfield all-weather in March. Effective at 2400m.

21

Taqareer

His only career win came over 2000m and not yet fully proven at this longer trip. Cheekpieces added today.

22

Dash Of Spice

Gained a terrific win in this in 2018. He races off a 7lb lower mark now after mostly disappointing subsequent efforts.