1

Oriental Fox

Shrugged off a year long break to win this in great style last season, routing his rivals by 7L and upwards - a clear career best. He has been trained to win it again and with his proven stamina must have chances especially on drying ground.

2

Amour De Nuit

Ran quite well over 3200m here last October considering he had a lot to find on the ratings in that G2. Had to struggle to gain the fifth win of his career over 2800m on the all-weather last time but has chances if this marathon trip helps.

3

Sandro Botticelli

A lightly raced 4yo who seems to have gradually improved as he has stepped up in distance, and he wasn't beaten far in a G3 over 3200m here at Ascot in April. His trainer thinks he will handle this marathon distance.

4

Agenor

Has been competing over obstacles at a modest level and it would be a giant surprise if he could make an impact here.

5

Clondaw Warrior

Has improved rapidly since joining this stable and won the 4000m Ascot Stakes last year after a fine ride from Ryan Moore. In good form at a high level over obstacles lately and a definite for the shortlist.

6

Commissioned

The mount of Adam Kirby who is enjoying a memorable week. He hasn't raced on the Flat since 2013 but he has been performing quite well at a high level over obstacles and come from a formidable stable.

7

First Mohican

A versatile stayer who has been on the go since the beginning of the year, running one or two encouraging races though he struggled at Goodwood last time. Stamina issues and he may struggle.

8

Frosty Berry

A very good stayer who is proven at up to 3200m and posted a clear career best with a shock 50-1 victory in a 2814m Listed race at Nottingham, beating one of the top stayers in Europe. Good chance if this extra distance is an advantage.

9

Grumeti

Very tough and versatile and prepped for this when a close fifth in a York handicap last time. He'd been the 50-1 winner of a major Newmarket's stayers' handicap last October and is a possibility here.

10

Pinzolo

Has won between 1600m and 2800m and though not proven at this marathon distance that also applies to most of his rivals. His supporters will need to forget a modest display last time.

11

Seaside Sizzler

Has something to find on the ratings but the two big positives are that he does like it here at Ascot and clearly lasts the distance, having finished a close third in this in 2013.

12

Shades Of Silver

He has won over as far as 3200m and can handle a slow surface. Maybe the ground was too fast for his two modest efforts on turf this season but it would be a surprise if he was good enough.

13

Simenon

A tough cookie from one of Ireland's greatest stables and with lots of experience in staying events at Ascot, including when a close fourth in last year's G1 Ascot Gold Cup over 4000m. He's a veteran now but still worth considering.

14

The Minch

Clearly quite talented though very lightly raced. He finished a close third in a high class Flat race for jumping horses in April, but was quite well beaten in a Listed race over 2800m subsequently.

15

Wordiness

Ran a close third in a 3200m handicap on his penultimate start. However his wins have come on a fast turf surface so he'll need the ground to dry out quickly.

16

Cayirli

Formerly trained in France where he won over 2000m. All three runs since coming to the UK have been fine, but he's probably not good enough here especially moving up dramatically in distance.

17

Havisham

Was frustrating and didn't gain his first career win until his penultimate start, landing a low grade handicap. However he ran poorly last time, and his four previous visits to Ascot were just modest performances.

18

Magic Circle

An interesting contender who progressed rapidly last year with three straight handicap wins over as far as 3241m. At least as good on his only 2016 start when runner-up, and his trainer is confident that Magic Circle will have enough stamina.

19

Tommy Docc

His only previous visit to Ascot was probably a career best, only just failing to spring a 33-1 shock in a Listed race over 3200m a year ago. He wants good or faster ground.

20

Sureness

She has been in good form in the last month with two wins in handicaps. However she is meeting higher rated opposition here and over a much longer trip.