Such extreme tests of stamina can often produce surprising results, although at these weights it's relatively easy to separate the wheat from the chaff. On official figures the Ascot finale lies between the globetrotting
Mekong and last year's feature race winners
The Grand Visir (Ascot Stakes) and
WHO DARES WINS (Northumberland Plate). The latter pair have competed over timber and birch respectively (with modest fortunes) in more recent times, returning to the Flat seeking a revival. Preference is for the stamina-laden Alan King-trained runner, who can also sport rock-solid Chester Cup form (fourth, third and second between 2017 & 2019) on his CV.
- Who Dares Wins
- The Grand Visir
- Mekong