1

Adelaide River

Easily outpaced by Arrest – who hasn’t thrived since – in a G3 at Chester. He then led for some of the trip in the Epsom Derby but never threatened a shock win once that battle got serious.

2

Auguste Rodin

Will start a red-hot favourite to add to his fast-finishing victory in the Derby at Epsom. That day he confirmed the potential he had shown during a brilliant 2yo career. This trip is ideal and it is hard to look past him.

3

Covent Garden

His only win came in soft-ground maiden company last year. Returned with a close third in a Navan Listed race in May, leading for most of the trip. Surely not good enough to win this Classic.

4

Peking Opera

Showed off his stamina and also a willing attitude when landing a soft-ground Listed event at Navan. But then failed to improve on that when seventh in a Royal Ascot G2.

5

Proud And Regal

Third in a heavy-ground G3 at Leopardstown on his 2023 return, but then making no serious impression when dropping back to 1600m for a G1 Classic at this track. Hard to fancy.

6

San Antonio

Progressive when landing his first two starts this year, latterly in a soft-ground Listed event at Chester. Didn’t look at all suited to Epsom’s gradients when only eleventh in the Epsom Derby.

7

Sprewell

Quickened decisively to win a G3 at Leopardstown, setting up a bid for the Epsom Derby. Didn’t have a perfect trip then and didn’t look suited to the track so his fourth placing was a very good effort.

8

Up And Under

Improved massively from his 2yo form when runner-up in consecutive 2000m G3’s at Leopardstown, finishing strongly and only behind colts that went to finish third and fourth in the Derby at Epsom.

9

White Birch

Slow away in all three 2023 starts, but has delivered powerful finishes each time notably when 5.25L third to Auguste Rodin in the Derby at Epsom. No trip worries and handles fast and slow ground.