1

Summerghand

A high-achieving veteran who has won 16 of his 76 starts. But has a huge task under his big weight, and didn’t make much impact in this in 2022.

2

Saint Lawrence

His close third in a 1000m G3 at this meeting last year was the highlight of his 2022 campaign. Mostly less effective since and hard to fancy under his big weight.

3

Spirit Of Light

High in the handicap considering he is without a win since 2021. Mostly campaigned over further than this, running a smart third in a 1400m handicap here last month.

4

Tabdeed

Disappointing later in 2022, but competes off an identical handicap mark to a terrific performance when only just failing to win a prestigious sprint handicap at Goodwood last July.

5

Silver Samurai

A strong pace – which he will surely get – and this trip look to be his ideal scenario. Should be sharper for a solid return to action, at Kempton.

6

Lethal Levi

Won four of his ten races last season – all at this trip – the highlight being when he stole a race from the front on Newmarket’s July track. Extremely consistent.

7

Blackrod

At the top of his game in this sprint last year, proving too fast for 18 rivals. Not so good in just four runs since, changing trainers twice in that period.

8

Apollo One

A respectable eighth in this last year and is competing off a 3lb lower mark this time. Closed down last year with a Kempton win.

9

Strike Red

Slow from the gates in this last year, and never able to get competitive. Not the most consistent but a very good winner at York last October.

10

Popmaster

Didn’t win from nine starts last season, a close second in a red-hot Royal Ascot sprint handicap being the highlight. A sinking handicap mark should help.

11

Tanmawwy

A lightly raced four-times winning sprinter. Looked better than ever when only just failing to win a Newbury handicap last month. May start favourite on that evidence.

12

Juan Les Pins

Four times a sprint winner during a rewarding 2022 season and made quite an encouraging 2023 start here last month considering he raced too keenly.

13

Admiral D

Yet to win since moving from Ireland. But generally consistent and encouraging performances include his running-on fifth over this course and distance last month.

14

Raatea

Has only won one of his 15 turf starts but he was a close third – on the same handicap mark as this – over this course and distance on last year’s seasonal return.

15

Gis A Sub

Second in a G2 sprint at York back in 2021. But well beaten on his last six starts which has resulted in a collapsing handicap mark.

16

Probe

Always competed over further when Irish trained but very effective at this trip as he showed when a close second here last month. One to consider.

17

Leap Abroad

Clearly has a rapport with today’s claiming rider who has partnered him to three handicap wins – all at this trip. His close fourth here last month was another commendable effort.

18

Celsius

First start for 231 days but has an excellent record first run after a break. Still fairly handicapped whilst this seven times winner seems best on good or fast ground.

19

Chairmanoftheboard

Third in this last year as an outsider, and actually more leniently handicapped this time. And his close third here last month confirmed his liking for this course and distance.

20

Above

Most of his wins have come on an all-weather surface, but he is also a smart turf performer as he showed when a fast-finishing second in this last year. Well handicapped on that evidence.

21

Equiano Springs

Raced too freely and faded out on his 2023 return, here last month, with some of these rivals finishing ahead of him then. Best on good or faster ground.

22

Count Otto

Narrowly won a handicap here back in 2021. After some modest efforts this veteran abruptly returning to form when  gaining his 11th career victory at Lingfield in March.

23

Sound Of Iona

An eight-times winning speedster who seems best on fast surface. However recent form has not been encouraging so she’s hard to fancy.