1

Called To The Bar

High class and consistent French trained stayer with string of Group race successes and placed efforts to his name. Won G2 event over 3000m at Longchamp last month and likely to stay the trip and be involved.

2

Capri

One of three Aidan O’Brien runners. Top class form earlier in career, winning 2017 Irish Derby and English St Leger but beaten in last six races and ran disappointingly when twice beaten favourite this year. Not certain to stay and unlikely winner.

3

Magic Circle

Well behind Thomas Hobson in 2017 Ascot Stakes over this trip. Improved since joined Ian Williams last year, easily winning Chester Cup and G3 at Sandown. Well beaten in Melbourne Cup and in only run since in G3 at Chester over 2676m last month. Even 7-year-old’s best form not good enough.

4

Stradivarius

The outstanding stayer of his generation. Unbeaten in last six races, all G1 or G2 events, including this race last year. As then, warmed up by winning G2 Yorkshire Cup. Not only stays well but a great battler, too. Best on fast ground and may be vulnerable on soft.

5

Thomas Hobson

Stalwart servant for Willie Mullins yard. Returned from successful spell hurdling to win 2017 Ascot Stakes. Four days later was 2nd in Queen Alexandra Stakes. Last autumn won G2 Doncaster Cup and runner-up on soft ground to Stradivarius in G2 at Ascot but now nine and beaten in G2 in Germany last month. Too big a task.

6

Cross Counter

Stepping up in trip but despite pedigree looks to have good chance of appreciating it. A terrific performance to win last year’s G1 Melbourne Cup over 3200m as a three-year-old – one of only two in the 24 strong field. Came back from break to win G2 Dubai Gold Cup. A serious contender.

7

Cypress Creek

Full brother of Capri. Overall form not good enough and badly beaten on both runs this year, latest in G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom over inadequate 2405m. A remote hope if longer trip transforms him.

8

Dee Ex Bee

Not bred to stay but does, relishing step up to 3200m this year when winning both G3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot and G3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown. Could improve more and is a serious contender.

9

Flag Of Honour

Won last year’s Irish St Leger and some good performances since at up to 3200m but not certain to stay this extreme trip. Warmed up this year with three runner-up spots over an inadequate 2000m. Speculative outsider.

10

Master Of Reality

This year won G3 over 2800m at Navan before well beaten in Listed race at Leopardstown. Not good enough.

11

Raymond Tusk

Last year won G2 in Italy over 2400m. This year 2nd to Dee Ex Bee in G3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot then 3rd in G3 at Newbury. May stay trip but not good enough.