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A horse-by-horse guide to the 1m7½f Group 1 British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on Saturday…

1 – Al Nayyir (T Clover /L Morris)

A progressive, improving sort. Looked to relish soft ground underfoot at Newmarket last time out when winning the 2m Listed Rose Bowl Stakes. Denied a short head behind Melbourne Cup ante-post favourite Vauban at York in the 2m Group 2 Lonsdale Cup. Poised to run a big race in testing conditions.

2 – Alsakib (A Balding /Oisin Murphy)

Winner of the Group 3 Silver Cup Stakes at York over 1m5f in July. Difficult to make much of this form, given a previous defeat to Point Lonsdale at Chester in Listed company. Will have to come forward plenty to reverse the form.

3 – Belloccio (W Mullins /Danny Tudhope)

Unexposed Irish raider. Looked every bit improved since making a victorious debut for Willie Mullins in a Punchestown maiden hurdle. Won impressively at Royal Ascot in the Copper Horse Handicap but a step up to Group 2 company perhaps represents too stiff a test for the six-year-old.

4 – Burdett Road (J Owen /H Davies)

High-class hurdler. Placed second in the 2m1/2f Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle in 2024 but has struggled to keep up over shorter trips since a return to the flat. Won the 1m4f Listed Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Godolphin Stakes on soft ground last time out so conditions will suit. A return to 2 miles is a boon but others figure better.

5 – Kyprios (A.P. O'Brien /Ryan Moore)

The foremost stayer of his generation. Boasts an unblemished record this season, returning from injury to post four consecutive Group 1 victories. Topping the official ratings and having beaten most of the competition before, this looks his to lose.

6 – Sweet William (J&T Gosden /R Havlin)

Classy stayer but has so far been impeded by Kyprios on two occasions this season. Won the 2m Group 2 Doncaster Stakes last time out but has plenty to find on the favourite. Perhaps one to consider from a place angle.

7 – Trawlerman (J&T Gosden /W Buick)

The only horse in the field to have beaten Kyprios, which came in last season's renewal. Lightly campaigned since then but Kyprios reversed the form to take first prize in the 2m3f Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup. Worth considering for the forecast and remains an interesting prospect.

8 – Caius Chorister (D Menusier /J Doyle)

A strong handicapper as a three-year-old who has since found progression through the ranks to Group and Listed company all too challenging. More would be required to feature here.

9 – The Euphrates (A.P. O'Brien /Christophe Soumillon)

Irish Cesarewitch hero who looked to relish the marathon trip on first time of asking last time out. This represents a totally different challenge and possibly too great a one at that. Having made the running for Kyprios in the 1m6f Group 1 Irish St Leger, he was unable to keep up with proper Group 1 types at the business end. Finds a few too good here.