15:00 York

Age

5

Weight

9st 5lbs

Or

101

Developed into a smart performer in 2025, landing 2 handicaps including this race. Hasn't quite recaptured that form in 3 outings this season, in cheekpieces when respectable second at Ascot 12 days ago, but he's now only 1 lb higher than for last year's success. Respected.

Age

4

Weight

9st 6lbs

Or

102

With the form of his 2 starts as a juvenile working out very well, he overcame a 20-month absence to make it back-to-back wins in a Southwell novice in June, displaying a fine turn of foot. In good hands and he's a major player with better still to come on handicap debut.

Age

7

Weight

8st 11lbs

Or

93

Proved at least as good as ever when landing the Thirsk Hunt Cup in May. Wasn't able to repeat that effort next few starts, though hinted at a revival when 2¾ lengths ninth of 11 at Thirsk 19 days ago. Runner-up in this race in 2024, but task is now to build on latest effort.

Age

4

Weight

8st 7lbs

Or

89

Ended light 2025 campaign with victory at Newcastle (7f) in October for Andrew Balding. Has matched that form for current yard this season without winning, sixth of 22 in the John Smith's Cup here before not getting a clear passage when mid-field at Goodwood (9f) 19 days ago.

Age

5

Weight

9st 2lbs

Or

98

Useful form in France in 2024. Not seen too often since but ran up to his best after a year off when fourth in Buckingham Palace Stakes (7f) at Royal Ascot. Not discredited when eighth in the Golden Mile at Goodwood and he could still have more to offer for this yard.

Age

4

Weight

9st 6lbs

Or

102

Successful twice on the all-weather early this year and, having been left poorly placed at Royal Ascot, wasted no time getting back on the up when scoring over this C&D in July. Impressed with how he travelled through the race last time, so he enters calculations.

Age

4

Weight

8st 11lbs

Or

93

Has been finding his feet for current yard this year, running well when fifth in 20-runner contest over 7f at Glorious Goodwood. Was turned out again 2 days later for the Golden Mile and shaped much better than finishing seventh suggests, meeting significant interference. One to note.

Age

4

Weight

9st 2lbs

Or

98

Successful over 1m on final 3 starts in 2025 (twice in handicaps) and went close to adding to his tally at Hamilton in June. Left poorly positioned at Newcastle (1¼m) later the same month, so it would be no surprise to see him get back on the up with blinkers applied.

Age

4

Weight

8st 10lbs

Or

92

Useful performer in France, successful 3 times, and stepped forward from seasonal/stable debut effort when seventh of 18 at Epsom (8.5f) in June. Wasn't ideally positioned when mid-field in the Buckingham Palace Stakes last time, but faces a difficult task here.

Age

7

Weight

9st 3lbs

Or

99

Without a win since listed success in November 2023, but has been reinvented as a high-end handicapper this season. Having eased further in the weights, 4 lengths third of 13 to The Lost King over C&D last month, though needs things to drop right given his slow-starting ways.

Age

5

Weight

9st 9lbs

Or

105

Several good efforts in defeat this season, including when runner-up over C&D in May. Filled the same position in the Golden Mile at Goodwood, before possibly finding the race coming too soon at Ascot 8 days later. Second in this race last year and could bounce back.

Age

6

Weight

8st 10lbs

Or

92

Bounced back to his best when only narrowly denied at Doncaster (7f) last month. Confirmed that effort when third at Haydock 12 days ago, proving his stamina for 1m, and he remains 3 lb below his last winning mark. This is tougher, though.

Age

5

Weight

9st 10lbs

Or

106

Has shown improved form over 7f this season, scoring readily at Doncaster in June and rallying to resume winning ways at Newmarket 12 days ago. However, more required under a penalty as he goes back up in trip in this more competitive contest.

Age

4

Weight

8st 7lbs

Or

89

Dual winner in France for Francis-Henri Graffard. Shaped well at Chester (7.5f) on second British start and, having had excuses next time, was beaten only by a big improver back at Chester (7f) 18 days ago. Tongue strap on for first time for this trainer.