Queen Alexandra Stakes

A battle-hardened old pro who for years has paid his way under both codes and now seeks a hat-trick in this race after winning the past two on soft and good to firm (defied a penalty 12 months ago); warmed up for his return with a satisfactory run in a 1m6f Group 3 at Leopardstown that was never likely to bring the best out of him; with stamina to burn, he looks nailed on to be involved once more.

Has a notable record at this meeting, having won the 2m4f Ascot Stakes (handicap) in 2019 and been placed in back-to-back editions of this race (2020 and 2021); likely to have a part to play again as he was beaten only 5l in Tuesday's Ascot Stakes despite meeting trouble at crucial stages of the race.

Although beaten in the last two editions of this won by Stratum, he was under 2l away 12 months ago and drying ground will aid his cause no end; good and bad under both codes in the meantime but he's one who won't be fazed by this unique test.

Quirky but talented hurdler who was last seen in late April going close in a Grade 2 at Sandown; also very capable on the Flat and he's going the right way round here (best right-handed) but these terms are tough and place money is probably the most he can realistically hope for.

Went missing for two years after finishing runner-up in a 1m5f Group 3 when trained by Aidan O'Brien; did well over hurdles on his resumption, including victory in a 2m4f Grade 3 and third in a 2m4f Grade 1 this winter (both on soft but has form on good and good to firm); not beaten far into third on his Flat return in a recent Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m6f, good; ahead of Stratum) when a steady pace was no help to him; this test could be right up his alley.

Capable dual-purpose performer who bounced back from disappointing efforts under both codes to finish runner-up in a 2m handicap at Beverley 13 days ago (good to firm; blinkers returned); this race is a whole lot tougher; should at least stay the distance.

Won last season's Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good) and by clear daylight; just okay during a light campaign over hurdles during the winter but this may have been a plan, and a small-field Listed race over 1m4f four weeks ago was never likely to suit; big chance.

Likeably consistent 4yo who stays 2m well and comes here in form after finishing first and third in two Goodwood handicaps; however, whether he'll stay this far remains to be seen and, in any case, he faces an uphill task at the weights.

Has struggled to get her head in front since winning twice as a 2yo, having mixed handicaps with Listed and Group races; has not been far off her best the last twice (1m4f handicap and 1m6f Group 3) but, unraced beyond about 1m6f, she'll be entering unknown territory a long way from home.

Runner-up over 1m4f in Germany on his only Flat run (last April); bumper/hurdle winner but has been competing at just a fair level over jumps this year (most recent form figures of 122) and he looks out of his depth.