1

Existent

Only one turf win in 20 starts and that came over 1400m on heavy ground back in 2020. Has been competing reasonably well in Group races, and not beaten far in a handicap here this month.

2

Dusky Lord

Valid excuses for some defeats but delivered a career best when proving much too quick for 24 rivals over 1200m at Ayr last September. A career high mark for this return but he’s won after an absence.

3

Bond Chairman

Perhaps ran the best race of his career when outspeeding seven rivals at Doncaster in June. All runs here have also been good, and fourth in this last year. Good or quicker ground ideal.

4

Arecibo

This veteran speedster finished second in a G1 over this distance back in 2021 Royal Ascot. One or two good efforts this year. Slow ground would be a plus.

5

Kimngrace

Effective over 1000m and 1200m and handles fast and slow ground. Has had an 84-day break since failing to get into the late action at Newmarket.

6

Bergerac

Modest efforts on either start this season. But chances if back at his best, and he runs off the same handicap mark as when winning a valuable 22-runner dash at York last August.

7

Significantly

A winner on his second start for this stable when exploiting a falling handicap rating to win over 1200m at Haydock despite stumbling early. Back in 2021 he twice won 1000m handicaps here.

8

Rhythm N Hooves

Has made rapid improvement, climaxed by a fast-finishing victory in a 26-runner 1000m Royal Ascot handicap.  A 9lb higher mark to contend with, and he’ll need to handle slower ground this time.

9

The Big Board

Deserves lots of credit for winning here on her latest start – the only filly in the field and one of only two 3yo’s facing older speedsters. Tries hard and should feature strongly despite another 4lb rise.

10

Intrinsic Bond

Having his first run at Ascot on this 38th career start. Has won on a quick surface, but he looks to prefer slow ground. May be a shade too high in the handicap right now.

11

Isle Of Lismore

In top shape lately and gained his sixth career success when leading most of the way to win at Newmarket on 21 July before this assignment.  His stable have won this Ascot dash before.

12

Call Me Ginger

Trying to repeat his success in this last year when he swooped from the rear to beat nine rivals. Below his best in four starts this year though no doubt this has been the main target.

13

Night On Earth

An eight times sprint winner but has gone off the boil and well beaten in recent starts. Fitted with a tongue strap and cheekpieces for this assignment.

14

Khunan

Only turf win came in a minor event in 2021 but came close to winning a G2 back in 2021 after which his handicap mark became challenging. Did nearly win a 1200m Haydock sprint this month.

15

Rock Melody

Very consistent with two sprinting handicap victories to her credit this season, flashing home late each time. Ran well without quite being able to deliver the same late punch last time.