THE Commonwealth Cup may only have nine runners, but the principals have stood their ground and it should be a thriller.

Aidan O'Brien is in pole position as he bids to improve his fine record at the meeting with hot favourite Ten Sovereigns.

1. Advertise – Martyn Meade/Frankie Dettori (14-1)

Very smart two-year-old who pushed Too Darn Hot close in the Dewhurst following a Group 1 win at the Curragh.

Had been relatively strongly fancied for the Guineas but was very disappointing and needs to improve markedly on that performance.

However, this drop in trip should be ideal and he has claims with Frankie up top.

2. Hello Youmzain – Kevin Ryan/Kevin Stott (6-1)

Looked smart on debut and showed he has oodles of speed at Maisons-Laffitte when easily landing a Group 2 in October.

Resumed his progress with a defeat of the exciting Calyx last time, for all that he was not at his best, and appears to hold very strong claims here.

Any rainfall will be in his favour and Kevin Ryan is having a very good season.

3. Jash – Simon Crisford/Jim Crowley (11-2)

Only been beaten once in his career when just losing out to Ten Sovereigns at the back-end of last year.

Returned this season with a narrow victory over a furlong further, but that form now looks strong with the runner-up winning a Listed race in France.

The drop in trip will suit him well and he's another who boasts strong claims.

4. Khaadem – Charles Hills/Dane O'Neill (7-1)

Progressive sprinter who's won his last three in good style, winning in Listed company last time.

This is a big step up now, though, and he'll need to improve a fair chunk to trouble the best of these.

Charlie Hills knows how to train a good sprinter but even he could be tilting at windmills a touch here.

5. Konchek – Clive Cox/Adam Kirby (50-1)

Top trainer/jockey combo but they're surely flying a bit too high here.

Finished a long way behind Khaadem last time and best watched in first-time cheekpieces.

6. Rumble Inthejungle – Richard Spencer/James Doyle (14-1)

Produced a fine performance in last year's Molecomb, running them ragged in a good time.

Yet to show quite the same form in two runs since, though, and this is a big ask first time up.

7. Ten Sovereigns – Aidan O'Brien/TBC (6-5f)

Looked a world-beater on debut and has confirmed that impression with wins in a Group 3 and then the Middle Park.

Was sent off favourite for the Guineas but was on the wrong side of the track and probably didn't quite see out the mile.

He looks a sprinter through and through and this drop back to 6f will suit him down to the ground.

Definitely has a favourite's chance for his master trainer.

8. Forever In Dreams – Aidan Fogarty/Oisin Murphy (25-1)

Not beaten far in last year's Queen Mary and warmed up for this with a decent performance in Listed company at Haydock.

Needs a lot more to be considered a win contender though, and would prefer faster ground.

9. Royal Intervention – Ed Walker/Gerald Mosse (50-1)

Ran a big race in the Sandy Lane behind Hello Youmzain but has a lot to do to turn that form around.

Best ignored in a race where she's sure to be a little outpaced.

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