1

Zoum Zoum

Regressed from an encouraging 2025 Listed debut to a modest effort in a Royal Ascot handicap. His three turf wins all on a slow surface.

2

City House

Twice successful in handicaps in Bahrain in January. Last three runs all at 1200m; this 1400m may be more suitable.

3

Array

The tenacious winner of a 1200m heavy-ground G2 at Newbury in 2023. From top connections and on his handicap debut now.

4

Northern Express

Fourth in this in 2022 and 2023 and led throughout to win it last year. No reason why he shouldn’t run another big race.

5

Golden Mind

Only just failed to gain a surprise victory in an Epsom handicap but less good at Royal Ascot more recently.

6

Galeron

Not much to recommend him on recent form. Perhaps Mickael Barzalona, who rides him for the first time, will cause a revival.

7

Akkadian Thunder

Returns to the C&D of his second of 27 in a fast-ground Royal Ascot handicap. Slower ground not a problem.

8

Oliver Show

Slowly away and never a factor over this C&D last time. No turf wins so far but had gone mighty close to victory at Doncaster in March.

9

Yorkshire

A specialist at this trip and has decent form on a variety of surfaces. Unlucky not to have finished closer at Royal Ascot in June.

10

Fresh

Won this in 2022, and a close third in it last year. A veteran now but still very capable in races like this.

11

Cerulean Bay

Not at his best so far this season but his handicap mark is easing. Probably best on a slow surface.

12

Noble Truth

Supporters will hope that Neil Callan’s mount can show the same enthusiasm that saw him lead throughout to win a G3 over this C&D way back in 2022.

13

Billyjoh

No wins in his last 18 starts but some worthy placed efforts including a third in a similar Class 2 handicap to this at Newmarket this month.

14

Kodi Lion

Survived a difficult passage to score over this C&D last July. Plenty more good efforts since from this consistent gelding.

15

Qazaq

Has clear ability but must settle better, and a stronger pace than he had at Newmarket last month would help. That was his first turf run.

16

Aalto

Arrives here fresh from a career best effort when only just grabbed by a very talented rival in a 1400m Newmarket handicap. Chance.

17

Lord Bertie

A narrow soft-ground winner over this C&D last September but seems to have regressed since switching stables since.

18

Two Tribes

Only one win from 18 starts, and though a solid third at Newmarket this month, looks high enough in the handicap.

19

Classic

All four runs good since being gelded especially his front-running 1600m Sandown win this month.

20

Pals Battalion

The mount of Hong Kong-bound David Probert for the first time. Perhaps the return to 1400m after a long spell at around 1200m will be positive.

21

Al Ameen

Last eleven starts – including three Kempton 1400m handicap wins – have come on an all-weather surface. The stable have won this before.

22

Sword

Has dropped to this trip since joining this stable and also generally running well since fitted with a hood, including a Leicester win.