1

Rohaan

Despite dwelling at the start he outspeeded 20 rivals to win this last year. After some disappointments since he competes off a 3lb lower mark this time.

2

Royal Commando

Ran a good fourth at huge odds in a Royal Ascot G1 over this trip in 2020. In handicap company for the first time, and an interesting contender.

3

Urban Beat

 A six-time winner who has received very positive comments from his trainer over the years. But ran poorly at The Curragh last time.

4

Volatile Analyst

Finishing strongly, he won a Listed event at Doncaster over 1202m on his penultimate start. Ran poorly on only previous Ascot start.

5

Jumby

Didn’t figure when tried in G1 company at this meeting last year. Will need to improve a bit on two 2022 runs but handles quick ground.

6

Asjad

First run at Ascot. That can be a disadvantage but trainer is hopeful that this track will suit this speedy type who enhanced a good winning strike-rate, at York last time.

7

Prince Lancelot

Hard to assess how well handicapped this French-trained colt is, but he has won twice at Chantilly this season. Might want some rain.

8

Commanche Falls

Winner of eight of his 20 starts, he handles fast ground and is very effective at this trip. Hasn’t won off a handicap mark this high before, but he’s tough.

9

Tabdeed

Has won over this course and distance before, often a good sign. Two solid efforts in Listed company on his last two starts.

10

Warrior Brave

Has run respectably in two of his three starts since moving from the UK to Ireland. This looks his best trip and he handles quick ground.

11

Summerghand

Finished strongly when only just failing to win this famous handicap back in 2020. This 13-times winner races off an identical handicap rating today.

12

Batwan

This French challenger was unbeaten in two starts at Meydan this year, narrow victories over this trip. Not beaten far at Chantilly last time.

13

Lampang

Highly regarded speedster early in his career but became disappointing. However looks resurgent after being gelded, winning a handicap at Ayr.

14

Mr Wagyu

First start at Ascot after 62 previous career starts which includes 14 wins. But he does appreciate a stiff 1200m, and is a real enthusiast.

15

Quarantine Dreams

Not beaten far in two Listed events this season, both at 1000m. Effective at 1200m also and seems fancied for a big run.

16

Gulliver

An eight times winner during a busy career, and not beaten far when fifth in this last year. But he does face a challenging handicap mark.

17

Tiger Crusade

One fair effort since being gelded. He has won over this trip but on turf may be better over 1400m.

18

Bielsa

Hasn’t made much impact in previous runs at Ascot, not usually a good sign. Not beaten far at York last time.

19

Ventura Tormenta

Won a slow ground G2 over this trip back in 2020 and always campaigned at a high level but not seen on the track for 632 days.

20

Blackrod

Enjoying a terrific spell in hot handicaps, winning three of his last four starts. Handles quick ground but needs to handle another handicap hike.

21

Dubai Station

Despite having only won one of his 17 starts on turf, he is quite consistent and suited by this trip and happy on fast ground. An all-weather winner last time.

22

First Folio

Won a competitive York handicap in 2021, reportedly thriving on the fast ground. Finished fast to grab second in Listed company last time.

23

Fivethousandtoone

Gelded since last seen and yet to win on a turf surface. But trainer Andrew Balding says he is now working well at home.

24

Popmaster

Races off a 4lb higher mark than when winning a fast-ground handicap here last September. An encouraging second last time.

25

Fresh

Only narrowly beaten in this cavalry charge last year. And has a very good Ascot record generally, though good ground preferable to fast.

26

Apollo One

Not fast enough to win a fast ground G3 here last year, but his fourth place still indicated that he handled this course and distance. Decently handicapped.

27

Silver Samurai

Not beaten far on either previous starts at Ascot and currently in top form, winning two handicaps at this trip in May, quickening nicely each time.

28

Chairmanoftheboard

Four career victories, all at this trip but mostly on a slow surface. A close third at Newmarket last time.

Reserves

29

Total Commitment

His only win on a turf surface came with a massively lower handicap mark than this. Ran well last time but hard to fancy.

30

Alligator Alley

Stable have won this before. Running a good race before fading late at Epsom last time, but looks better over 1000m.

31

Stone Of Destiny

Has won over 1000m at this track, but sometimes disappointing here. His handicap mark is at least looking easier now.