1

Clever Cookie

He always finishes his races off well, so will probably be doing better than most late in this marathon. He ran a good second here earlier in the season and won a G2 in first-time cheekpieces last time.

2

Curbyourenthusiasm

A progressive handicapper last season and his close second in a G2 at York last time was a clear career best. He steps up sharply in distance but his trainer is optimistic that it will bring further progress.

3

Flying Officer

Getting a great ride from Dettori he won a 3200m G2 here last October and also ran an encouraging third here on his 2016 return. Likes slow ground and good chance he'll have enough stamina.

4

Fun Mac

Needs a real test of stamina as he showed when second in the Ascot Stakes over this course and distance last year. He has won on his first start of the season for the past two years so the 235 day absence is not a worry.

5

Griraz

A prolific winner in France during a long career, but those wins have been exclusively at a low level and he's likely to be completely left behind here.

6

Max Dynamite

Ran a valiant second in the Melbourne Cup, even though he didn't get the best trip. A disappointing odds-on favourite on his 2016 return but the slow pace didn't suit, and anyway he'll be sharper this time.

7

Mille Et Mille

The shock winner of one of France's main  staying events when winning that Longchamp G1 over this distance last October, under a great ride from today's jockey. Ran poorly on his only 2016 start.

8

Mizzou

Won a G3 over 3200m here on his 2016 debut though he had also won that race last year before disappointing in this one. However his profile remains progressive, and good reports of his recent homework.

9

Pallasator

Has never been the most consistent but on a good day is very good as he was ridden more patiently than usual to win a G3 at Sandown last time. He has won over as far as 3600m, and slow ground is helpful.

10

Scotland

Hasn't won since 2013 but did appear to stay this distance when a running-on sixth in this last year. He arrives here in good shape, finishing second over 2400m on his recent 2016 return.

11

Sheikhzayedroad

This tough and consistent gelding gained his ninth career win in a 2810m G3 at Meydan in March. However the big worry is stamina, so essential in this event especially on soft ground.

12

Suegioo

Running well enough this year but he will be competing against plenty horses who have finished in front of him in recent starts including Pallasator, Clever Cookie and Mizzou.

13

Burmese

Clearly happy on this track, winning a 3200m handicap here last October. He faded badly after leading in a G3 last month, and, though this longer trip might well help, he will need to improve significantly.

14

Order Of St George

Likely to be a red-hot favourite, having won his last four starts easily notably when an 11 length G1 winner over 2800m last September. A class act who is expected to thrive at this marathon distance.

15

The Twisler 

Well down the field in a German G3 won by today's rival Wasir on his only venture this season. Very hard
to fancy.

16

Tiberian

Two good runs in good French company this season but they were both at 2400m and his pedigree would suggest that he has little chance of lasting this much longer journey.

17

Wasir

This German-trained colt posted a career-best performance when winning a 3200m G3 at Hoppergarten last month. His trainer has a good record with his runners in the UK.

18

Kicky Blue

A past winner over 3000m in France and proved his stamina for this distance when a 56-1 second in a G1 at Longchamp last October. With stamina on his side he might be an interesting outsider.