1

Capri

He has won at a G1 level over much further than this but he is tough and versatile and landed a G3 over 2000m at Naas in April. Finishing well when only beaten 3.25L in the Arc at Longchamp last time. May be ridden prominently to use his stamina here.

2

Cracksman

The UK's long hot summer hasn't suited Cracksman who prefers slow ground which this brilliant triple G1 winner should get here. He scored an extraordinary 7L victory when winning this last year. He hasn't raced since June but is reported in great form at home in the lead up to this.

3

Crystal Ocean

Yet to win a G1 but came desperately close when only beaten a neck in a thriller over 2392m here in July. Then ran a good 2nd to subsequent Arc winner Enable (giving 8lb to that champion) in a G3 on the Kempton all-weather. A real fighter who is likely to be prominent from the gate.

4

Maverick Wave

Did win a soft-ground G3 way back in 2015 but he's been mostly well beaten in 13 starts since and hasn't been seen since finishing 16L 8th of 10 behind Cracksman in this race last year. No winning chance, surely.

5

Monarchs Glen

Has only raced twice in 2018, latterly when winning a Listed event at Royal Ascot. That was impressive as his rider was able to ease up before the line plus the form of that 16-runner event has worked out strongly since. That was on quick ground but he has no problem with a slow surface.

6

Subway Dancer

Trained in the Czech Republic but he does most of his racing in France. He did manage a 2nd of seven in a G3 over 2000m at Deauville in August but otherwise his form looks way below what is required to win a race like this.

7

Rhododendron

A three-times G1 winner including over the straight 1600m at Newbury in May this year. However she has become an enigma and appears to have lost interest in competitive racing, beaten a long way in most of her recent starts.

8

Verbal Dexterity

Highlight of his career was a strong-finished and ultimately comfortable victory in a 1400m G1 at The Curragh last year. That was on testing ground that is likely here though his two starts this year haven't suggested that another G1 win is imminent.