A huge long-striding gelding who ventures into Group company today after outclassing his 10 rivals from start to finish in a 2200m handicap on the all-weather at Kempton last month.
2
Astronereus
A likeable stayer who has been competing in top class handicaps but found something extra on his 2016 debut to gain a G3 victory at Newbury - his victims including Eagle Top. Will probably need to improve some more for this.
3
Dartmouth
One of the most impressive middle-distance handicappers last season and has won both his Group 3 races (over further) this season, having to work hard last time - not finding Chester's bends ideal. His trainer has a great record in this.
4
Eagle Top
Second in this last year, and he does seem to run his best races here. Some disappointments last year - including in the Arc - and below his best also on his Newbury reappearance. Back at Ascot an obvious plus. Wants drying ground.
5
Exosphere
From a stable with an outstanding record in this. Didn't look quite top class last year but he's a late developing type who gave some highly respected rivals a thrashing on his comeback in a G2 (2400m, softish ground) at Newmarket in April.
6
Highland Reel
His career highlight was his decisive defeat of 12 top class rivals in the G1 LONGINES HK Vase at Sha Tin last December though he lacked the same fire in the G1 AP QEII Cup there in April even if he didn't have a good trip. A possible leader here.
7
Mount Logan
Progressive in handicaps last season and gained the latest of his five career victories with a hard fought success over this distance at Goodwood last month. He'll need to improve from that Listed win but his trainer insists he is fitter now.
8
Wicklow Brave
A close second in a G3 at Chester last time, not helped by his jockey losing his whip. However this is the shortest distance he has ever competed over and considering what a hot event it is, he might lack enough basic speed.
9
Beautiful Romance
Showed a good attitude to take third in a G1 over this course and distance last October, and made a positive start to 2016 with a G2 York victory – again fighting hard. That was also over a shorter trip and on quicker ground than ideal.
10
Simple Verse
Won the G1 St Leger last year, also winning a G1 over this course and distance in October. Given her great achievements her two starts this season have been modest including when failing to quicken in a G1 at Epsom last time.
