Won this event in 2022 off an 11lb lower mark; two more wins this year, the Dash at Epsom (5f, good to soft) and then defeating a progressive sprinter at Pontefract in August; struggled off this mark in the Portland three weeks ago but a stiff 5f on slow ground suits him well and he's not discounted.
Fairly quiet start to the campaign but he's come good with a vengeance of late, winning over 5.5f at the York Ebor meeting and a close third in the Portland at Doncaster; a repeat of either effort would see him bang there once again; seems to handle most ground; first run at Ascot.
Three of her five wins have come over C&D (good to soft and soft), the latest last month off 4lb lower; she's a better filly now than when second to Badri in this race last year off an 8lb lower mark and although latest start was a tame effort, she should be more potent back at this venue.
The drop to sprint trips has put his career firmly back on track, making all at Ayr (6f, good to firm) before bumping into a Group horse in waiting in the Shergar Cup here in August; returning to 5f proved no hindrance at Doncaster three weeks ago, always prominent and finding plenty for pressure; the ground was officially good but changed to soft afterwards and these conditions shouldn't hold any terrors; up another 6lb but it's unlikely he's reached his ceiling.
He'd been bubbling away prior to capitalising on a good opportunity at Chester two weeks ago (5f, good to soft), produced down the outside to win with much more authority than the neck margin suggests (idled a bit when hitting the front); a 3lb rise still leaves him well handicapped on even his 2024 best; has run to form on each of his three visits to Ascot and he's a strong contender in a race that should be run to suit.
Has had a few issues at the start but he's been much more lively the last twice and his second to Venture Capital at Doncaster (5f, good; probably soft) last time was a sound effort; wouldn't have the potential of that rival though and is no banker to reverse the placings despite the revised terms.
Had a fine year in 2023, winning five times including his finest hour in this race off a 13lb higher mark; signs of retaining ability this year, including for new yard, without managing to put his head in front; each-way claims but others are stronger for win purposes.
0-5 on turf (raced on good or quicker) but he's 2-2 on AW, the latest win over 6f at Kempton in May; 5lb higher against stronger opposition now, tackling 5f for the first time, and others appeal more.
Her limitations had seemed well established but she was in sparkling form in May and June, winning five times on a variety of ground; all those wins were in Class 6 and it will be a remarkable effort to defy this new mark on her return from four months off.
Three good runs since joining this stable, doing well to sustain a fast gallop when winning at Newbury in August (5f, good to firm); solid third behind Woolhampton here four weeks ago (5f, soft; best of the prominent racers) and should make a bold bid, even with other pace influences to contend with.
Off the mark for the season when well backed for a 5f handicap at Doncaster three weeks ago (5f, good); soft ground no problem but he's up 5lb and this is a better race than he usually contests; may come up short.
Won twice in Class 4 handicaps this summer, including C&D; not much room for error off this mark but she's had limited opportunity on ground slower than good and is 2-2 when faced with such conditions.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
