1

Bolshoi Ballet

Looks the least likely winner of Aidan O’Brien’s four runners. Twice a G3 winner in Ireland and a G1 winner in the US in 2021 he is useful but faces a whole collection of higher rated rivals.

2

Deauville Legend

Had an excellent three-year-old campaign concluding when fourth in last November’s Melbourne Cup. Made an encouraging start to 2023 when fourth in a Royal Ascot G2 but improvement needed for this red-hot G1.

3

Hamish

The winner of eight of his sixteen starts and has won two G3’s over longer trips than this in 2023, though having to work really hard to get the money at York last time. Soft conditions essential.

4

Hukum

Winner of ten of his 16 starts, with preference for good or slower ground. Came back from a 356-day absence since a G1 victory over this trip at Epsom with a decisive G3 win at Sandown. Has been well backed for this.

5

Luxembourg

His six career wins – including a front-running victory in a 2100m G1 at The Curragh in May – have all come over shorter than this, but this tough colt gives the impression that this distance might be a plus.

6

Point Lonsdale

The winner of six of his nine starts including a G3 and a G2 earlier this season. Not disgraced when 9.25L behind today’s rival Emily Upjohn at Epsom, his first attempt at this trip. Wants soft ground.

7

Pyledriver

Second in the 2021 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, he was one of the outsiders in this last year, but leading for some of the trip, he showed his typical mix of pace and courage to win. Showed similar qualities to win a Royal Ascot G2 last month.

8

Westover

A bit of a worry that a rare poor run came on his only previous Ascot start – when favourite for this last year. In top shape when he won a 2400m G1 at Saint-Cloud this month. A strong pace will help.

9

Emily Upjohn

A dual G1 winner over this trip, her only disappointment was a dismal show in this last year. Surged from the back to win at Epsom in June, then a brave second in a hot Sandown G1. Versatile groundwise.

10

Auguste Rodin

Early this month he became the 19th horse to win both the Derby in England and Ireland. Will meet older horses for the first time, but his power and agility over this ideal trip makes him a major contender.

11

King Of Steel

Surging past rivals, he briefly looked like becoming a shock winner of the Derby at Epsom, only for Auguste Rodin to mow him down. A very impressive G2 winner over this trip at Royal Ascot subsequently. Chance.