1
|
Big Orange
|
He often leads and is often difficult to catch, coming here fresh off a comfortable front-running victory in a G3 at Sandown last month. The big issue is this step up to this marathon distance but expected fast ground is ideal for this tough horse.
|
2
|
Nearly Caught
|
A six-times winner who has won as far as 3600m. He ran a good second - though not justifying favouritism - in a G2 at Hoppergarten, Germany, last time. Usually ridden prominently, some ease in the ground would help.
|
3
|
Order Of St George
|
A stylish winner of this race last year and probably ran even better when third in the Arc at Chantilly in October. An occasional poor run included an odds-on defeat on his 2017 debut, but a comfortable victory at Leopardstown last time suggests he's a worthy favourite.
|
4
|
Quest For More
|
He won a leading European stayers' event over a similar distance to this at Chantilly last October, so no stamina worries. However he'll need to upgrade on two disappointing starts this year. Good or fast ground suits.
|
5
|
Sheikhzayedroad
|
An eight-year-old but he has improved with age and also showed himself comfortable over long distances, finishing third in this last year and also winning some other nice prizes. Both starts at Meydan earlier this year were good.
|
6
|
Torcedor
|
Has done really well for his new stable this season including a front-running defeat of certain favourite here Order Of St George in a 2800m G3 at Navan. Fast ground and this hike in distance are questions but dangerous if he can steal a lead.
|
7
|
Trip To Paris
|
His last win came in this race two years ago - on fast ground - showing the bravery invariably necessary to land this event, also running a close fourth in the Melbourne Cup that year. Not at his best on most recent starts.
|
8
|
Harbour Law
|
Thrust right into the spotlight when a 22-1 winner of the St Leger - a British Classic - last September. He had earlier shown himself happy at this track when second at this meeting last year. Up in distance on only his eighth career start.
|
9
|
Harrison
|
Gelded since last season and his two starts this year suggest he may have improved a bit. However the evidence also suggests that he would need to improve significantly more for this move up in distance if he's to have a chance.
|
10
|
Prince Of Arran
|
Probably ran a career best over 3190m here at Ascot last time out. Clearly happy on the track even if things did go his way in that race and on ratings he still has plenty to find.
|
11
|
Endless Time
|
This tough mare has won six of her 12 starts - including at G2 level - and she made a very solid 2017 return when a close fourth in a G2 at York. Ascot should suit as she looks best going right-handed and her pedigree offers some hopes over this much longer trip.
|
12
|
She Is No Lady
|
A four times winner at up to 2800m, launching a successful French raid at that distance to win a Listed event at Saint-Cloud last October. She ran a fair third to Big Orange at Sandown on her 2017 reappearance but more needed.
|
13
|
Simple Verse
|
The 2015 St Leger winner and this classy mare has often shown that stamina is her strong suit even if this trip is unfamiliar territory. She made a really good 2017 return when just beaten in a good G2 at York last month.
|
14
|
Sweet Selection
|
The extent of her improvement last season can be judged from the fact that she went from a rating of 70 to 104. She started the season with another terrific effort, winning a G3 here last month. Good chance that she has enough stamina for this.
|