1

Migration

Has not made much impact in two previous starts over this straight 1600m, including in this race last year. However, he did surge late to beat a big field over Doncaster’s straight 1600m in April.

2

Raadobarg

This big gelding hasn’t won this year but his handicap mark remains high as he has put in some solid placed efforts including when third at Newmarket on 14 October. Best on slow ground.

3

Sonny Liston

Encouraging that he ran so well on his only previous venture over this straight 1600m when second of 30 at Royal Ascot. Another fine effort when only just beaten at Doncaster last time. Chance.

4

Baradar

Bounced back to top form when outpacing 24 rivals in a 1400m handicap here in July, the first time cheekpieces surely helping. Confirmed the improvement when winning at Doncaster last month.

5

Al Mubhir

Two of his three career wins have come over this trip and on a slow surface. May have been hindered by losing a shoe at Newbury last time but it was still a solid effort.

6

Awaal

Well suited by this trip and slow ground and with a good third to his credit over this course and distance at Royal Ascot. May have found the ground too quick when a beaten favourite last time.

7

Bopedro

Has failed to win on six previous runs at Ascot but has run well here on several occasions. Kept busy again in 2023, this will be his 14th start with two wins, both over this trip at Newmarket.

8

Blue For You

Stable have won this three times in the past nine years. Easily won a handicap at York in July but there have been some disappointments including here at Royal Ascot.

9

Docklands

Two of his six runs have been over this course and distance, both resulting in impressive victories – one on soft ground. If he can repeat those efforts he has definite chances.

10

Helm Rock

Finished third of 15 over this course and distance earlier in the year, though his two 2023 wins have come on all-weather surfaces. Looks to have a hard task at these weights.

11

Coeur d’Or

Twice a winner of Premier Handicaps over similar trips to this in Ireland in August, both times surging from well off the pace – ideal tactics according to his veteran Irish trainer.

12

Rhoscolyn

This tough handicapper is having his 13th run of the season and a formidable contender in fast-run races and when at the top of his game. Others look better handicapped but he’s hard to discard.

13

Ropey Guest

Lots of Ascot experience but yet to win on 19 starts at this track. Landed a shock win in a York handicap in August but that was on much faster ground than is expected here.

14

Bennetot

Has winning soft ground form when trained in France. Soundly beaten on his only UK start but gets some respect from his stable’s excellent record in this prestigious handicap.

15

The Gatekeeper

Having a busy season whose three wins include a handicap victory over this trip – at Goodwood – and on soft ground. Disappointing on his last two runs here, but they were on fast ground.

16

Dual Identity

Didn’t figure on his only previous start over this course and distance. His impressive Sandown handicap victory in September was over further than this. Others look to have better profiles.

17

Dancing Magic

Yet to win in ten starts but at least his handicap rating is becoming easier. Not beaten far in a G3 here at Royal Ascot, but it would be a surprise if he managed to score a first career win here.

18

Lattam

Came from an impossible-looking position to grab victory in a hot handicap at The Curragh in March. Makes a quick return after a respectable run at York on 13 October. Best on slow ground.

19

Vetiver

A lightly-raced filly who seems to be on a gradual upward path. This is by far her biggest test but she’s from a top stable and her three wins have all come on a slow surface.

20

Eilean Dubh

First start at Ascot though a stiff 1600m looks to suit. Will need to improve significantly on recent efforts if he is to have any chance.

Reserves

21

Escobar

A regular in valuable handicaps, and was sixth in this in 2021 and tenth last year. His handicap mark is easing sharply but this hardy veteran is without a win in his last 14 starts.

22

Maywake

The impressive winner of a 1400m Sandown handicap in September, but a tougher handicap mark to contend with now and he didn’t run particularly well here earlier this month.

23

Graignes

Having quite a good season with two wins including when leading for much of the trip at Sandown. That was over a longer trip than this, and this straight 1600m will probably test him.