1

Arod

Progressed into one of the top 1600m horses in the UK last summer, including here though on the round 1600m rather than this straight 1600m. Disappointed on an Australian adventure but made a solid start to 2016. Fast ground wanted.

2

A Shin Erwin

Smart in Japan but not top class. He deserves plenty of credit for winning on his French debut at Maisons-Laffitte but the value of that form isn't strong and this looks tough though soft
ground might help.

3

Barchan

The pacemaker for Belardo and has no winning chance.

4

Belardo

A dual G1 winner latterly in the prestigious Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last time when producing a devastating late surge over that straight 1600m. Hasn't always been consistent but has a great chance if in that mood. Best on good or softer.

5

Cougar Mountain

He ran the best race of his career to that point in this last year when a close third - wearing cheekpieces for the first time. He has won a G3 since but needs to be cleverly ridden as he gets lazy when in front.

6

Endless Drama

A huge horse who put up another career best when 1 ¼ lengths third to Belardo in a G1 over the straight 1600m at Newbury. That was a terrific display on his first start for a year and more improvement possible with good or softer ground preferred.

7

Kodi Bear

Talented - if wayward - and an electric winner of a G3 over 1600m at Salisbury last summer.  Has won at Ascot but far too keen in a G1 here last October and behind some of these rivals at Newbury last month. Best when leading early -- difficult here.

8

Lightning Spear

Raced just twice in his first two seasons, winning each time. Moving up to top class company last year he ran some fine races without being quite good enough to win, and that may be the same again here.

9

Mondialiste

Might have finished closer than 2  ¼ lengths second to today's rival Tepin in last October's G1 Breeders' Cup Mile at Keeneland with a better trip. G1 attempts at Sha Tin last December and Chantilly last month were disappointing.

10

Toormore

A winner in Group company six times though just one from ten in G1's and fourth in this last year though maybe doing a little too much in front. Tough and consistent and running well again in 2016, he is best on good or softer.

11

Amazing Maria

Pulled off a 25-1 shock in a G2 over this distance at this meeting last year and she clearly appreciates a straight 1600m, later winning a G1 at Deauville. An encouraging start at Newmarket last month bodes well for this season.

12

Ervedya

From a massively in-form French stable, and this classy filly has already made a winning raid on Royal Ascot in the 2015 Coronation Stakes over the round 1600m. Made a satisfactory 2016 return and French fillies have a good record in this event.

13

Esoterique

No horse over five has won this event since 1976 but she is a late-maturing mare who had her best year in 2015 winning two G1's and only just beaten when an outsider for this event. A beaten favourite when second over an inadequate 1400m on her return.

14

Tepin

Brilliant mare from USA, winning her last six starts including G1 Breeders' Cup Mile. Effective at using her speed to slipping her rivals from the front. This straight 1600m is new territory and overseas rivals have struggled in this, but her class might win through.