Six wins from 17 starts and excellent winner of a Group 3 at Naas last time out. Would probably want softer conditions than what he's likely to get here but versatile tactics wise at least. First start over this trip for some time and suspicion is that connections would have tried this some time ago if he was as good over 1m4f as he is over 1m2f.
Lightly-raced colt who put a below par reappearance behind him when winning impressively at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month. Up in class but gives the impression there is plenty more to come and connections are in red-hot form. Declared a non-runner late in the day at York last week with reported heat in his leg but likely to have recovered from that. Buick prefers the claims of Hawkbill.
Runaway winner of a Group 3 at Newbury last time out but all his best efforts, inlcuding that run, have come with plenty of cut in the ground. There's a suspicion plenty of his rivals didn't run their race at Newbury last time so probably best not to get carried away with that form. Claims if the rain comes.
Emphatic winner of the Breeders' Cup turf towards the end of the season and only narrowly beaten in the Hong Kong Vase when he was pestered for the lead early. Comeback run at Meydan was disappointing on the face of it but there's no doubt he's better than that and that track wouldn't suited him. Interesting contender who sets the standard on form and gets the vote of stable jockey.
Not seen since an unfortunate incident in the St Ledger when short priced favourite for the oldest classic, coming down entering the final stages of the race. Interesting to see how he comes back from that but connections will probably bring him along a little slower this year. Any rain would be in his favour despite his Group 2 win coming on good to firm ground.
Beat Postponed on Super Saturday at Meydan but suspicion was that classy rival wasn't at his best and has subsequently been retired. Ground probably went against him in the Sheema Classic last time out but he's an interesting running if the rain stays away and not without place claims despite having a bit to find with a few of these on official ratings.
Finished runner-up in a sub-standard Group 1 at Saint-Cloud in France last year after respectable efforts in Derbies either side of the Irish Sea. Not shown enough in two starts this year to be considered for a race of this nature.
Fair effort at Chester in Group 3 last time out but beaten by the 110 rated Western Hymn so needs to come on plenty for that run if he's to have any chance here. Seen to best effect off a strong pace as seen in the Investec Derby last year when runner-up to Harzand and looks down the order on jockey bookings.
Good second behind Somehow at Newmarket last time in a Group 2 but the form of that contest looks a little suspect and not looked up to this level prior to that. One to oppose despite the yard's current form.
Impressive improving mare who pulled out a career best to win on Champions Day at Ascot last time out. Can over race a little and not won on her previous two seasonal reappearances so may be up against it this time out but no doubt she's amongst the most talented in this field; likely to give Highland Reel most to think about.
Forecasts
Highland Reel (9/4), Journey (7/2), Hawkbill (11/2), Us Army Ranger (8/1), Frontiersman (9/1), Prize Money (10/1), Idaho (11/1), Air Pilot (25/1), Elbereth (33/1), Red Verdon (33/1)
HIGHLAND REEL was a little disappointing on his comeback run in Dubai but the ground went against him a little that day and he's likely to be seen in a better light here. Journey couldn't have been much more impressive last season and she should get a decent pace to aim at; she may not be done improving just yet. Prize Money looks like an interesting each-way option if the rain stays away.