1

Vafortino

Enjoyed a decent campaign at Meydan (G2-placed) during the winter and he will be banking on his freshness after a three months’ plus absence.

2

Fivethousandtoone

In great form on the all-weather during the winter. Modest effort in G2 last time.

3

Coachello

Has his first run for new yard. Not easy to catch right but he would have a squeak judged on his Listed fifth at Naas in April.

4

Flaming Rib

Not unfancied (6/1) in competitive 1203m handicap at Epsom last time. However, he failed to make an impact and will need to snap a six-race losing streak.

5

Harry Three

Shaped promisingly (fourth in Listed grade at Salisbury) after lengthy absence (after the start in September 2022) and possibilities on his best form.

6

Rumstar

Ran his best race in a long time when second at Newbury last time. Creditable fifth in G1 grade at the Royal Ascot Meeting last year.

7

Saint Lawrence

Delivered in good style in this race last year. His form has dipped since but he could prove competitive again off current mark.

8

Apollo One

Consistency is his forte and he boasts a string of placed efforts in big sprint handicaps. Second in this last year and one to consider.

9

Unequal Love

Has made a good transition from three to four judged on Newmarket Listed win and fair fifth in Irish G2. Could be ahead of the handicapper.

10

Dark Trooper

Now trained in Qatar, this ex-British performer showed very smart form here last year (dual course winner), and he also hit the ground running in France last time.

11

Cover Up

He really took to the all-weather (three wins) during the winter and has been raised accordingly by the handicapper. Ran too freely at Newcastle last time.

12

Juan Les Pins

Ran very well in this race (third) last year. Yet to operate at the same level as last season, and he may need more respite from the handicapper.

13

Wodao

This ex-Irish performer is unraced this term. Has his first run for current British trainer and faces no easy task on reappearance.

14

Orazio

Quite fancied at Newmarket in the spring only to run poorly with valid excuses. Fair sixth in this in 2023 and expected to go well.

15

Rocket Rodney

Can prove a tricky ride and he didn’t help his rider on his last two starts. Needs to fast rediscover his best form.

16

Albasheer

Best judged on his early season form. Ran too freely and unsuited by the mud on last two starts but capable of turning the corner.

17

Desert Cop

Very talented but somewhat inconsistent. An upset winner (22/1) at Newmarket on penultimate start and a possible player if the mood takes him.

18

Chipstead

Has proved a good servant to the yard. Hasn’t quite been firing on all cylinders since Lingfield all-weather win in March. Others preferred.

19

Torivega

Ran creditably when third at 25/1 on reappearance at the Curragh. But he’s not as battled-hardened as some of these and this is far tougher.

20

Ferrous

Has done little wrong this season. Backed up two all-weather wins with third at Newbury behind a smart customer. Each-way prospects.

21

Lethal Levi

Took a big step forward when revitalised by blinkers at Newbury last time. Clearly in with a shout if repeating that form.

22

The Bell Conductor

Is enjoying a productive campaign (two wins) and fair effort at Epsom (fifth) last time. Tends to lie-up with the pace and could prove vulnerable to the closers.

23

Aleezdancer

Impressed at York in May but well below form since at Epsom last time. He reportedly hated the latter track but has the ability to bounce back.

24

Strike Red

Showed some encouraging signs at Epsom (fifth) last time and will be out to build on that respectable effort.

25

Gorak

Three career wins have been over longer (1400m and 1600m). However, ran promisingly at Newmarket (second) earlier and expected to be doing his best work at the finish.

26

Mums Tipple

Can blow hot and cold. However, last three Ascot efforts have been more than respectable and he enters calculations on the basis of his 2023 fourth.

27

Glenfinnan

Comes from a shrewd yard and two of his career wins have been at this course. Steadily creeping up the handicap but clearly in fine form.

28

Warrior Brave

Campaigned in Bahrain (for one third in three attempts) during the winter. Not disgraced on Irish return (third) but this is a different ball game.

Reserves

29

Roman Dragon

He’s very much a Chester specialist (five of six career wins gained there), and it remains to be seen whether he’s as effective at this track.

30

King's Lynn

Has his third crack at this race (third in 2021) but devoid of success since May 2022. However, he boasts consecutive respectable efforts in the last three starts and could well prove competitive off current handicap mark.

31

Aberama Gold

Not unfancied on his last two starts at Hamilton and Ripon. Is probably better than his bare form suggests and one to note in the betting.