1

Winning Story

A useful stayer for Godolphin and with three decent runs behind him this season including an all-weather win at Lingfield. On pure ratings he's got a good chance, but more importantly is whether he can handle the rise to 4330m.

2

First Mohican

Made some late headway in this - Britain's longest Flat race -when 10 1/2L seventh last year. This year's race might be a little weaker and he could grab a place though it would still be a surprise if he managed to win it.

3

Fun Mac

Has good credentials in marathon events and at Royal Ascot in 2015 he was only just beaten in the handicap over slightly shorter. A really good third from a tricky gate at Chester last time suggests he's in good form.

4

Oriental Fox

Surged to a 7L victory in this two years ago and ran another fine race in it last year when 7L fourth on slower ground. With stamina proven this popular stayer must again have a chance, and he's been given a light campaign with this in mind.

5

Arthur Mc Bride

He has won over further than this over hurdles but that doesn't mean he'll last home with the stronger pace expected here. He is in quite good form and likes to lead but is unlikely to be involved in the closing stages here.

6

Big Thunder

Almost two years since he won a race - a handicap  at York on fast ground - though his career has been limited by injury issues. He won at this track way back in 2013 but that was over 2400m. An outsider.

7

Excellent Result

A G2 winner in his younger days but competing over hurdles lately. However he was a fair fourth on the all-weather at Newcastle on his latest start. Staying power to prove but his small stable have already had a Royal Ascot winner this week.

8

Grumeti

He didn't make a big impact in this last year, 20L behind the winner. On the plus side his stamina is more proven than most and back in 2015 he gained a shock win when beating 33 rivals in a prestigious Newmarket handicap over 3600m. 

9

Guard Of Honour

Last seen in April when he kept galloping to end to finish fourth in a fast-ground Newbury handicap over 3600m. Not an easy ride though on that evidence he may have enough stamina to make an impact here.

10

Medburn Cutler

In good heart again this season and grabbing prizemoney on all three starts without winning. He tries his heart out every time but his rating suggests that this is going to be a very difficult task.

11

Montaly

His victory in a prestigious handicap over a marathon trip at Chester last month suggested that he'll have hopes over this even longer journey. On ratings he's certainly got a decent chance whilst good ground or softer would be ideal.

12

Qewy

This versatile and talented gelding finished a terrific fourth in the 2016 Melbourne Cup on his penultimate start, leading from start to win at Listed level (3200m) in Australia before heading home. He's a class up from most of these rivals.

13

Thomas Hobson

He won the Ascot Stakes over a slightly shorter distance than this on Tuesday. It was a stunning performance as he sat way off the pace but obliterated his rivals in the straight. If in the same form he has a great chance here.

14

Vent de Force

Fourth behind Thursday's Ascot Gold Cup winner Big Orange in a G3 at Sandown on his only start this season. A smart performer on his day and he usually relaxes well in his races giving him a chance of lasting this marathon distance.

15

His Dream

Even though his pedigree doesn't suggest this distance, he's interesting in the fact that he fought bravely to win a Flat race (under Jump race Rules) at Down Royal last month. He's now joined a big UK stable and his jockey is having a great Royal Ascot.

16

Motherland

Even if his stamina is an issue he seems to have more class than most of his opponents.  Lightly raced - though twice a winner - he led for much of the way when 6L third to subsequent Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Order Of St George over 2800m at Leopardstown last time.

17

October Storm

A decent staying handicapper and he swooped from way off the pace to win a 2800m handicap at Goodwood last month, again running well off a tougher handicap mark there 30 days ago.

18

Paris Protocol

His only win came over just 1600m but he ran a good third over about twice that distance at Haydock last month. The fact that he was closing at the end that day gives some hopes over this real marathon test.

19

US Army Ranger

A fascinating runner in this marathon test, having a huge reputation earlier in his career and running second in the 2016 Derby at Epsom. Down the field in a G1 there last time, the biggest issue is whether he has the stamina for this marathon.

20

Soiesauvage

A winner on very soft ground over 3000m at Fontainebleau when trained in France last year. However her subsequent form does not indicate that she has any realistic chance here.