1

Lucander

An eight-time winner including during a recent spell in Bahrain, winning quite a valuable 2000m handicap in December. Finished strongly when third in this last year.

2

Relentless Voyager

Not beaten far when third in last year’s Derby Italiano. He returned after a gelding operation and an absence of over 10 months to run quite an encouraging third at Newmarket.

3

If Not Now

Twice a winner but may have done best in defeat on his first start since being gelded when finishing strongly in a well contested Lingfield handicap in May.

4

Not So Sleepy

An extraordinary horse who is still capable and enthusiastic at the age of 12. A winner at this meeting way back in 2017, and not beaten far in a Newbury handicap last time.

5

L’Astronome

Successful at up to 3000m when trained in France. Made a good start in the UK when a Listed race third at Chester but hasn’t shown the same spark in three starts since.

6

Struth

No wins – though some narrow defeats – in his last eleven runs. Gelded prior to a Newmarket run in May where he raced much too keenly and faded out of contention.

7

Ziggy

Gained Epsom experience on his latest start when second to stablemate Crystal Delight here in April, a fine effort after for a break of nearly 15 months.

8

Flash Bardot

The latest of her five wins came when she made smooth headway from off the speed to win over 2379m at Doncaster in April. Slow ground seems to suit her best.

9

Think First

Yet to win from eight starts on a turf surface but did run a solid second of 13 – as a 40/1 outsider -over this course and distance in April. Races off a 2lb easier mark.

10

Parlando

Finished fast to win a 2000m handicap in Bahrain in February. Quite well beaten in two UK starts since, also needing to prove himself at this first try at this trip.

11

Percy Shelley

Some good winning form when trained in France, but so far has failed to make much impact in five UK starts, including here last October.

12

Dream Harder

Only one win on a turf surface, and having a first ever run at this eccentric track. Didn’t have a good trip when fourth at Chester last time.

13

Kotari

On a winning roll, successful in all three flat turf starts this year latterly when too strong for 13 rivals over 2392m at Ascot. Hiked another 5lb in the handicap but still formidable.

14

Asgard’s Captain

Having a busy time this being his tenth start of 2024, including four all-weather wins. Not yet fully proven at this trip and looks to have a challenging handicap mark.

15

Maso Bastie

Would need to improve on recent performances if he is to have a chance here, most recently struggling to make a serious impact at Chester.