With 150k GBP prize money guaranteed this looks a very competitive affair. Barry Hills has the best record with one winner and three placed from six runners.
Both his entries Zaahid and Giganticus must be considered. The former disappointed in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket last time behind Little White Lie, but landed the Victoria Cup over course and distance in the spring.
Giganticus who was fourth in this race last year ran a promising race at Newmarket finishing 5th - 2l behind Little White Lie. He is very well suited by fast ground and may be Hills’s best chance.
The Willie Haggas trained King’s Apostle ran a great race in the Wokingham at Ascot staying on strongly over the 6f for 3rd place beaten half a length.
He was running on with great resolution at Ascot and it looks like 7f may be the 4-y-o´s optimum trip.
Another to consider is the Mark Johnston-trained Lovelace. The stable has a good record in the race with two placed from seven runners. If the Royal Applause colt reproduces his run in the Bunbury Cup when a head behind Little White Lie he will go very close.
Slowly out of the gate that day he was still last after 2f out. He flew home however and just failed to get up off a mark of 108. Off a 3lbs lower mark on Saturday his chance is obvious and he is the selection.
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