1

Annaf

Some good Ascot sprinting form including landing a G3 at around this time last year. Earlier this year he had swooped late to win a hugely valuable sprint in Saudi Arabia.

2

Art Power

The 40-1 winner of this last year, helped by a very quick start. No wins since but some decent efforts in G1 and G2 company. Can’t be ignored if again right at his best here.

3

Audience

Drops down to a sprinting trip he hasn’t tackled since 2022. Twice a winner during a light 2024 season including a fabulous G1 victory from the front over 1600m at Newbury. Very slow ground an issue.

4

Kinross

His narrow defeat in this last year (he had won it in 2022) was one of many excellent efforts from this 11 times winner. Found one super-smart rival too strong in a G1 at ParisLongchamp this month. Chance.

5

Mill Stream

Rather disappointing in this last year but hit the G1 jackpot at Newmarket this July, rallying after losing his position. Versatile groundwise, and chances if right at his best.

6

Montassib

Gained his eighth career victory, and delivering a career best, responding to pressure from behind to grab victory in a G1 at Haydock last month. Chances if still in that shape.

7

Moss Tucker

Finest hour came when he galloped on strongly up the hill at the Curragh to win a 1000m G1 sprint over 13 months ago. Has struggled in four G1 sprints since then.

8

Shartash

Showed immediate improvement for being gelded with wins at Thirsk and Haydock. Showed his effectiveness for this trip when a close third in a Deauville G3.

9

Shouldvebeenaring

Two previous starts over this course and distance were modest, though both run on much quicker ground than is expected here. A small chance if matching up to his 1200m Deauville G3 victory in July.

10

Spycatcher

Likely to get the slow ground he wants, and it was those conditions when he was third in this last year, especially good as he met with traffic. This August he won a G3 sprint at Deauville.

11

Vafortino

A good second in a 1400m G2 at York when last seen, a solid effort on faster ground than ideal.  Might not be quite quick enough against some G1 speedsters here.

12

Beauvatier

Stays further than 1200m, but no issues for him as this is likely to be quite a stamina test. Good placed efforts on all recent starts, and becoming the first French-trained winner of this since 2002 is not impossible.

13

Bucanero Fuerte

A runaway G1 winner at the Curragh over this trip as a 2yo. Only three runs this season and though a shade disappointing in G1s on his last two starts, certainly can’t be written off yet.

14

Elite Status

A big colt with a long stride and winner of five of his nine starts, the most recent being when returning from a break to land a G3 at Newbury in July.  Couldn’t repeat that speed in a G1 last time.

15

James’s Delight

An accomplished speedster who looks best on slow ground over this trip. Last two starts were over 1200m at Deauville, winning a Listed race and then just beaten in a G3.

16

Kind Of Blue

Yet to disappoint in six starts, posting a personal best last month when only headed late on in a G1 at Haydock. Unproven on soft ground but an exciting sprinter.

17

Swingalong

Only beaten 2.5L when fourth in this last year. Twice close to winning 2024 G1 sprints and didn’t run badly at Haydock last time considering the high gate proved a disadvantage.

18

Unequal Love

Just too strong for a huge field of handicappers on fast ground at Royal Ascot. Smart form on slower ground also and put in a solid first G1 try when a close third at Haydock last month.

19

Vadream

Failed to win any of her last 15 starts including when fading into seventh in this race last year. Not beaten far in a G3 sprint here this month. Very soft ground would help.

20

Flora Of Bermuda

Decent sprinting efforts on her last four starts including when accelerating decisively to win a G3 at York in July. Finished strongly after a difficult passage in a Haydock G1 last time. Possibilities.