Queen's Vase (Group 2)

Beaten just 1¼ lengths in a Listed race latest when still looking green in front, Asakir is progressive and open to more improvement; first-time cheekpieces and a more patient ride over this trip on suitable ground could see him go very close, though inexperience remains the main risk.

Beaten a nose in a Listed race at Goodwood latest when fitted with cheekpieces, Del Maro arrives in cracking form from a trainer firing on all cylinders, stays well and acts on any going — the chief concern is whether he can convert that near-miss into victory.

Galiyan won a Chester maiden by 2¼ lengths last time out and, with a top course trainer in the saddle, the step up to 14f looks a logical next move for a horse still developing — effective at 10-12f on good ground, though this rise in grade is the one test.

Limestone arrives on the back of three consecutive wins, most recently a Listed success at Navan over 13f, and looks a progressive sort with the right attitude — first-time headgear adds a small query, though the trip and going profile suit well.

Magnetude won a Chester handicap last time in first-time cheekpieces, retains them here, and the form figures look solid, but this is a significantly tougher assignment and, ranked last on our figures, there are serious doubts about the step up in class.