Has really taken off since handicapping (form figures 12121), his latest win coming narrowly at Lingfield (1m2f, Polytrack) eight days ago; that was a slowly run race and he has a 5lb penalty to carry, but he remains unexposed; a player if as effective back on Tapeta.
Course regular who was winning here for the seventh time when scoring by a short head over this trip a week ago; 4lb penalty will make things harder but his effectiveness here means he has to be considered.
Has shown ability in all three AW starts, as when fifth of ten on handicap debut at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) last time; open to further progress with cheekpieces now given a go; stable also runs Yorkstone.
1-9 for George Baker and with a tongue-tie enlisted she made the perfect start for this yard over C&D last month (race run in a gale, first two clear); 4lb higher but still one for the shortlist.
Placed in two of his three starts on turf for Ralph Beckett as a 2yo but yet to fire in handicaps since joining this yard, despite a sliding mark; first-time cheekpieces replace hood.
C&D winner as a 4yo but has become hard to predict, with his win in the legends race at Doncaster (1m, soft) in September his only piece of worthwhile form since last summer; others more solid.
Returns to the Flat after a couple of modest efforts over hurdles; 3lb lower than when twice runner-up on turf last summer, but he is now 0-14 under rules; first-time cheekpieces need to have a positive effect.
Won at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) in August and returned from four months off when beaten less than a length into third of nine behind Cusack over C&D seven days ago; 4lb better off so every chance of reversing the form with the run under his belt.
Won narrowly over C&D in November and may have been unfortunate not to go in again over the same trip on his penultimate outing, but he needs to bounce back from a lesser effort over 7f here 13 days ago.
Won three times in 2023, the latest when dead-heating off 3lb higher at Southwell (1m, Tapeta); has regressed since, though, and the tongue-tie needs to help him turn the corner.
Won a five-runner novice over C&D at the start of 2023 and ran creditably in a couple of warmer Tapeta handicaps over further last March, but he hasn't fared any better in the meantime; cheekpieces need to make a difference.
Won three times over C&D late last year and had possible excuses for his last two defeats (pulled too hard/inadequate trip); could bounce back, especially if getting a solid pace to aim at.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
