1

Audience

Proved himself beyond 1400m in style with a powerful front-running display – also over a straight 1600m – in a G1 at Newbury last month. Often best after an absence but chances if still in top shape now.

2

Big Rock

Some brilliant form last season notably with an unchallenged front-running G1 victory at Ascot in October. Now needs to recover from a dismal 2024 start at Newbury. Slow ground best.

3

Brave Emperor

Enjoyed a terrific run of success late last year and with a Doha victory in early 2024, this trip looking ideal. But didn’t make a big impact since at Sha Tin in April, or Longchamp.

4

Cairo

A three-times winner and with one good effort in G1 company. Second in Listed company earlier this month, but very unlikely to handle strong rivals here.

5

Charyn

Won two of the most important mile races of the season prior to a fast-finishing runner-up to Audience – who looked to race on the fastest part of the track – in a Newbury G1. Good chance.

6

Docklands

An ambitious bid with his rating way below that of some rivals. But in good form, latterly when second in a Listed event at Longchamp on slower ground than preferable.

7

Dolayli

Won his first three starts of 2024 in much lesser company than this but his close third in a G2 and fourth in a Longchamp G1 showed that he could handle top class action.

8

Facteur Cheval

Returns 80 days after his career highlight when winning an 1800m G1 at Meydan in March, showing terrific acceleration that day. Versatile ground-wise and looks a major contender.

9

Flight Plan

Closed down 2023 with a front-running G2 victory over 1600m at Leopardstown. His second start of 2024 was much better than his first but his chance here still looks poor.

10

Hi Royal

In May 2023 he twice ran really good placed efforts in G1 company at this trip. However, he has never threatened in four subsequent G1s.

11

Maljoom

Desperately unlucky not to win a G1 here as a 3yo, then absent for 472 days. Had another break before third in a Listed race here last month. Looked a difficult ride then.

12

Poker Face

Best over a straight mile like this, and on a slow surface. A solid G2 second on his 2024 return but the drying ground looked against him when well behind in a Newbury G1.

13

Royal Scotsman

Different tactics and a drop from G1 to G3 level (though he has twice done well in Newmarket G1s before) helped when he led throughout to win at Epsom this month.

14

Witch Hunter

A closer, tactics that saw him finish third – though well behind the first two - in a Newbury G1 last month. But a disappointing favourite at Haydock this month.