C&D winner who hasn't got his head in front since May 2016, but has run a number of good races (including placing in a Group 1) since then, so even off top weight he has to be respected.
Up 2lb for a short head victory at Doncaster last time out. Yet to defy a mark this high in a handicap but should be able to operate off it, and is also a previous C&D winner.
Beaten only a neck off 3lb lower than this in the Hunt Cup (run at Wetherby) last time, but the return to this trip should suit given all three of his career wins were over this distance.
Ran well in the Victoria Cup last time out, when playing a hand in the very tight finish. Still needs to prove he's capable of winning at this level, but he has potential.
Winner over this trip at Newmarket on his final run of the previous campaign, but his effort at the same course in the European Free Handicap suggests this mark may be too much for him for now.
Forecasts
Gilgamesh (5/1), Get Knotted (11/2), Golden Apollo (11/2), Salateen (13/2), Hayadh (13/2), Lualiwa (9/1), So Beloved (12/1), Rufus King (12/1), Eastern Impact (12/1), Absolutely So (18/1), Normandy Barriere (20/1)
So Beloved isn't the most prolific of winners but would have an excellent chance in this if somewhere near his best and it could be between him and HAYADH. Rebecca Bastiman's charge ran a great race in the Hunt Cup (run at Wetherby this year) last time out off a mark 3lb lower than this, and the fact he seems better over this 7f trip only encourages further enthusiasm. Recent Doncaster scorer Salateen completes the shortlist.