1

Crystal Ocean

This seven-times winner has a fantastic record, the one blip being he has yet to win a G1. Two typically efficient victories this season, G3's at Sandown and Newbury, latterly showing a good attitude under pressure over that 2400m. Versatile trip and groundwise.

2

Desert Encounter

An outsider for this last year, but even so was disappointing fading right out to finish last. He has bounced back to win twice since including a G1 over 2400m at Woodbine last October. Back in European G1 company he'll probably struggle again.

3

Hunting Horn

He was the stylish winner of a G3 over this trip here a year ago. His nine races since have all been overseas with some fine efforts, most recently leading for most of the way in a G1 (2200m) at Belmont Park, just getting swallowed up late.

4

Waldgeist

Tough and consistent with lots of achievements including a G1 win at two, a narrow French Derby defeat at three, a G1 Saint-Cloud win at four and, on his only start this season, a stylish G1 win at Longchamp. More familiar over longer trips than this but he should get a strong pace to aim at.

5

Zabeel Prince

Is up against higher rated rivals and this lightly-raced six-year-old has never raced over this far but the further he went the stronger he looked when winning a G1 over just shorter than this at Longchamp last month. Has won on fast ground but best on slower. 

6

Deirdre

Has won some major prizes back home in Japan, and has also run some big races on her overseas ventures including when her late surge saw her grab second in last December's LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). Not at her very best in this year's starts. 

7

Magical

Closed down 2018 with two terrific performances, a G1 win at Ascot and then a close second to Enable in a G1 at Churchill Downs.  Has justified favouritism in all three 2019 starts. Hasn't faced super strong opposition in all 2019 starts - including a G1 at The Curragh last time -  but has won all three easily.

8

Sea Of Class

One of the stars of Europe last year, and twice a G1 winner including a thriller at The Curragh when coming from way back to lead close to the wire. Sat chilly from a wide gate in the Arc, weaving her way through and flying at the finish - just failing to catch the mighty Enable. Will need to be near her best on this first run back.