1

Accidental Agent

This 2018 G1 Royal Ascot winner remains high in the handicap despite only having won twice since. Did come close to a shock handicap win here in May.

2

Jumby

A course and distance winner here earlier in his career, and more recently a very smart performer in these big-field handicaps – latterly when a close third at Newmarket. Chance.

3

Tactical

A G2 win as a two-year-old was his career highlight so far, and there have been a few subsequent disappointments. But two decent runs at Ascot on his last two starts suggest he’s in sharp form.

4

Rhoscolyn

Ground versatile but this is his ideal trip. A tough gelding who finished strongly to finish 1L third of 29 in a Royal Ascot handicap over this straight 1400m on his penultimate start.

5

Asjad

His four wins have all come at around 1200m, and needs to prove himself at this trip. Not especially consistent, but 2022 handicap wins at Redcar and York shows what he is capable of.

6

Dark Shift

Has won four of his six starts at Ascot – a formidable record – also seemingly versatile regarding trip and ground. Faces a 6lb rise since his Royal Ascot win, but he could be up to it.

7

King Zain

Since changing stables his two starts appear to have been two career best efforts, latterly when winning a Kempton handicap comfortably under top weight.

8

Bless Him

Slow from the gate but then surged through strongly to run down an 18-strong field in a major handicap – on fast ground over this trip – at Newmarket this month. A veteran but still capable of delivering.

9

Aratus

Has not been in top form so far this season. Unbeaten in three starts last season – all at this trip and on good or fast ground.

10

Documenting

Often a late closer with plenty of experience over this course and distance including a win and a close second. His third at York earlier this month was also encouraging.

11

Fresh

Has a good Ascot record and, though only ninth on his latest run here, a poor gate and ground faster than ideal both represent valid excuses.

12

Star Of Orion

Only failed by a short-head to win this last year. Soundly beaten on all three starts this season, but at least he is again on a workable handicap mark.

13

Chiefofchiefs

Now nine, and he hasn’t won since a flying finish saw him land a Royal Ascot handicap more than two years ago. Fourth in another Royal Ascot handicap last time, so he clearly handles the straight course here well.

14

Air To Air

Didn’t run particularly well on his only previous Ascot start but returned from a 308 day break to convincingly win a fast ground handicap over this trip at Yarmouth – a clear career best.

15

Lion Tower

Looking for his fifth turf win here, and making his debut at this track. Narrowly won a York handicap over this trip two starts back, competing off a 3lb higher mark here.

16

Ropey Guest

Frustrating perhaps for his supporters, having gone close to landing big handicap prizes over this trip – at Ascot and Newmarket – on his last two starts.

17

Northern Express

In good form in handicaps at York over this trip on his last two starts, swooping to win first time, and then finishing strongly into second. May still be improving but faces another handicap rise.

18

Eagleway

Very effective at this trip but will need to improve considerably on recent efforts if he is to have any chance here.

19

Tammani

Versatile groundwise and two of his three career wins have come over this trip. However he will need to upgrade significantly on his last two starts, both comprehensive defeats.

20

Orbaan

Has been showing consistent form in handicaps on recent starts without quite managing a win. However his last two runs at Ascot were below par, a bit of a worry.

21

Raising Sand

Surged late to win this back in 2019, and beaten 4.5L in eighth last year. A collapsing handicap mark and love of this track will both help, but slow ground is most important to him.

22

Top Secret

Led from gate to wire to win here last year. Well beaten in three of his four starts since then, so we will need to see a return to his best here.