It is positive that he has won both his starts at Newmarket, including a G2 in 2013 and a G3 back in 2014. Less positive that he has tended to struggle on his first start after a break but Silvestre de Sousa rides him for the first time.
2
Central Square
All his starts including his three wins have come over further than this. Last seen with an unsuccessful attempt over hurdles whilst his trainer worries that Newmarket may not be his ideal track so a first 2017 victory may come later.
3
Great Hall
Enjoyed a profitable time late last year with two wins over 2000m and he also ran his best start of this season when a solid fourth at Epsom 10 days ago. With stamina for much further he'll want a strong pace and he's likely to race prominently himself.
4
Ballet Concerto
A bit of a character and no surprise that he was gelded prior to his 2017 return which resulted in a defeat of 20 rivals over the straight 1600m at Doncaster. Still realistically handicapped, and the faster expected ground here is not a worry.
5
Dolphin Vista
Kept galloping right to the finish when an encouraging fifth of 22 in a Doncaster handicap early last month, a solid start to the season. He also ran a good second at this meeting last year whilst good or slower ground is preferred.
6
Next Stage
A lightly-raced four-year-old, he kicked off 2017 with a handicap victory over 1600m here last month. Despite racing too keenly and hanging when pressure was applied, he was well on top of some more experienced rivals at the end.
7
Bancnuanaheireann
The veteran in this event, he has won six of his 49 starts, three of those wins coming on a turf surface. Way back in 2013 he beat a big field over this course and distance on his preferred fast ground. Younger rivals may be too strong.
8
Playful Sound
A well-bred filly from a top stable, she started her career relatively late but quickly showed her talent by winning her first three starts. She never looked happy when well fancied to win a Listed event here on her final 2016 start so she does need to prove herself at Newmarket.
9
Grapevine
Justified his trainer's belief that he was well handicapped prior to the start of 2016 with two wins. Gelded prior to his 2017 return when only nailed in the last strides at Newbury. Versatile ground and distancewise and surely set for a good season.
10
Abareeq
A little offputting that his four wins have come on an all-weather surface and he is 0-8 on turf. He didn't run badly on the grass at Epsom last time considering he met traffic problems at a crucial stage.