Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill
Jockey: Shane Crosse
Only one win to his name, which came back in 2013. Left Andrew Balding’s yard to join Jonjo O’Neill’s. Still owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, carries top weight and hold an outside chance. Does have 7lb claimer Shane Crosse on-board.
Trainer: Ian Williams
Jockey: Jim Crowley
Won with ease in a trial for this race over this course and distance. Was 20 lengths clear at halfway, and went on to score by 10. Completely unchallenged and currently in the midst of a purple patch. Good e/w chance.
Trainer: John Gosden
Jockey: L Dettori
Back from a spell in group company, lots to prove here off this mark and running over a new trip. Trainer and jockey flying however and wouldn’t be surprised if in the frame.
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: A Kirby
Finished fifth of 19 in 2m4f handicap at Royal Ascot, before finishing sixth of 20 in 1m6f Ebor at York. Trainer loves these sorts of races.
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: R Winston
Impressed at Newbury over 2m, but short of room and no space to manoeuvre in the Ebor at York. Was the favourite that day and will go off favourite here too unless a big late gamble. Major player.
Trainer: A King
Jockey: Nicola Currie
Needs to be back in peak form which he has not shown recently. Big step up from his good runs which have come over 1m4f and 1m6f, and were earlier in the season.
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: P C Boudot
Off for 503 days before returning to the scene at the Galway Festival in the summer. Took her three starts for her to win her first race on the flat, beating stable companion Low Sun, and that form looks strong enough to play a part here. Very useful hurdler.
Trainer: R M Beckett
Jockey: Harry Bentley
Has more to offer as a stayer and is one for the shortlist judged on his two most recent starts for Ralph Beckett. Harry Bentley rides.
Trainer: H Morrison
Jockey: Cameron Noble
2nd and 3rd in the last two Chester Cups, but not does fare well here. Finished 20th and 28th in the last two running’s of this event and looks out of his depth; also based on the trial for this race.
Trainer: P A Kirby
Jockey: Rossa Ryan
May have needed his latest start, but has a bit to prove in this ultimate staying test. High draw, Rossa Ryan, riding for Philip Kirby takes off 3lbs.
Trainer: Ian Williams
Jockey: W Buick
Another drawn very wide, he has been in good form this term for Ian Williams. This does however demand a major career best. Will Buick aboard.
Trainer: A King
Jockey: M Harley
Been eye-catchingly progressive this year, proving he can stay the 2m trip. 4lb penalty after recent wins, and is drawn very low. Held in high regard.
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: J A Heffernan
Moving up to 2m2f looks to suit this 5yo gelding, and is seriously considered by connections. Switches to the flat after spell hurdling.
Trainer: A P O'Brien
Jockey: D O'Brien
Another market principle, another from Ireland, he is a very classy 3yo with some good form in the book (3rd in St Leger). Mark reflects this and has serious potential.
Trainer: A M Balding
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Solid season running at distances between 1m6f and 2m4f, back up 3lb in the weights and is surely one for the e/w shortlist. Oisin Murphy certainly a man to follow after a season to remember.
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jokcey: W J Lee
Another from the Mullins string, this 7yo has surged up the weights and may have more to offer as a flat stayer. Two-time winning hurdler.
Trainer: G L Moore
Jockey: Hector Crouch
Staying on to second to Stratum at Newbury, but then faded with a more prominent ride over 2m4f at Goodwood last time out. Tactics expected to change and will be once again held up.
Trainer: A King
Jockey: Tom Marquand
Been disappointing for Alan King this season; in particular, at Royal Ascot and has given lesser showings on last two outings. Was miles behind Stars Over The Sea in a trial for this and has a lot to find.
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: Ray Dawson
In superb form of late, winning 3 of last 4. Handicapped because of this and is penalised with 4lb, but respected for improvement and loves a big handicap.
Trainer: M L W Bell
Jockey: Hayley Turner
His 2m form was on the AW late last year, and in his last five starts has been at races over half this distance. Complete outsider on that basis.
Trainer: N P Mullholland
Jockey: S De Sousa
2/2 in Britain having moved to Neil Mulholland, big scopey type with much potential. Only 4yo, lightly raced and looks to have stamina reserves.
Trainer: Ian Williams
Jockey: George Downing
Sixth in this race two years ago and has been dropped 9lb since. Not really much that takes to the eye from the old boy nowadays.
Trainer: K Dalgleish
Jockey: Rowan Scott
Last win came in a 2m listed contest three years ago, and has not done anything major since. Others are preferred.
Trainer: R Hughes
Jockey: S W Kelly
Did place when upped in trip to 2m for last three starts, but needs even more to survive an extra four furlongs.
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Jason Watson
Yard’s third string, has had some good runs this seasons off a good mark. Trip is an unknown, and Jason Watson has now lost his valuable claim but interesting booking.
Trainer: M Johnston
Jockey: J Fanning
Good win at York three starts ago, but much more needed now upped in trip by extra 4f. One of the youngest horses in the race (3yo) has to negotiate a wide draw.
Trainer: Mrs S Gardner
Jockey: Andrew Breslin
Goodwood 2m run after three months off did not suggest much to like about this 7yo going forward. Wants rain.
Trainer: J S Goldie
Jockey: Jamie Gormley
Good stamina and ran well over 15f last time at Doncaster. Very consistent and reliable, and another for the shortlist.
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: W M Lordan
Another Irish horse making the switch from hurdles to flat, he won a valuable hurdle race at the Punchestown Festival in April. Since then he has raced three times on the flat, and finished out of the top ten. Prefers obstacles.
Trainer: P F Nicholls
Jockey: Megan Nicholls
Considered each way, a son of Canford Cliffs is another suited over obstacles than on the flat. Has one win on the flat which came at Haydock in August and he won that with ease. Repeat of that would see him go well.
Trainer: A J Martin
Jockey: J F Egan
Fifth in this race two years ago and now races off the same mark. Eventually finished second to Stars Over The Sea in that trial but has 10l to find.
Trainer: A M Golden
Jockey: William Cox
Has been in the greatest of the form this season. Wants soft ground and has to negotiate with the widest draw of all.
Trainer: Richard Spencer
Jockey: M Dwyer
Cheekpieces back on which brings about his best, big field which he is not used to and again others at a big price are preferred.
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott
Jockey: L Morris
Only one win to her name and stamina is not proven. Blinkers now on which should make all the difference but holds an outside chance with a low draw. Interesting pedigree however.
