1

Scarlet Dragon

Had a terrific 2016, winning four times from a busy 11 starts, scoring over this distance and further and proving versatile groundwise. Very tough but only small and with plenty of weight on this first start for 177 days.

2

Ayrad

Has won three of his 18 starts and was a Sandown Listed winner over a similar distance to this last July. That was on an easy surface but faster ground suits him at least as well. Became disappointing late last season and returns to action here.

3

Elbereth

Only just failed to win on her only previous visit to Ascot. As an experiment she was tried in a G1 last time and she ran a cracker only 6 ¼ lengths fourth to Highland Reel at Epsom. It's possible that this tough mare is still handicapped for a big show here.

4

Central Square

His three career wins have all come at around this distance. He made a solid start to 2017, finishing well from the back in a slowly-run Newmarket handicap. A big gelding who could easily play a major role in the closing stages here.

5

Muntazah

A big colt whose only win has come in maiden company. However he's finished third and fourth in G2 events and was not disgraced in G3 and a Listed event this season. No great surprise to see him now in handicap company.

6

Khairaat

Although his handicap mark is rising sharply he is sure to be popular here as a sharply improving colt from a top stable. He zoomed round Chester's bends to easily win a handicap over a bit further than this on his 2017 debut.

7

Kidmenever

Formerly French-trained he has won over a wide variety of distances including this one, though he has had very little exposure to a fast turf surface. Having his first start since a strong-finishing second in a good Meydan handicap in February.

8

Maverick Wave

A six-times winner mostly over similar distances to this. However he hasn't won for ten starts and was soundly beaten on his final two 2016 starts, though one of those was at G1 level. He might lead.

9

Snoano

Won at about this distance on his 2017 return when quickening up nicely to land a Pontefract handicap. However he didn't look comfortable over a shorter trip last time. If the ground changed to good or slower it would help.

10

Allez Henri

Ran a good third at long odds in a valuable all-weather event at Lingfield in April. However this French raider does seem better on that surface with his turf record being just one win from 21 starts. Well behind on his latest outing.

11

Restorer

His handicap mark still seems high considering he hasn't won since 2015 and has finished last in three of his last four starts. He did run quite well in a Listed event here two starts back, racing too freely but not beaten far in third.

12

Mythical Madness

He usually races over shorter distances than this but has won over this far. In good form lately, winning a Haydock handicap 9 days ago for which he has been raised 5lb in the weights. Good or fast ground suits.

13

Dragon Mall

Didn't make much impact in three starts at Meydan earlier this year, but ran a good third in a handicap on his return. However he's up to an unfamiliar distance and no great evidence that it will help.

14

Tumbaga

Began his career in the USA but has had problems and has been lightly raced though he did win twice on all-weather tracks in 2015. Made favourite to win a dirt handicap at Meydan in January, disappointing then and in a subsequent turf start.

15

Majeed

Very effective on an all-weather surface but he's only won once on the grass- over a similar distance to this on fast ground. Recent starts don't offer much encouragement.

16

Pacify

Not beaten far in a competitive Newbury handicap back in April. This longer distance is more suitable and hopefully he will run better in this race than he did last year.