1

Bold Act

Has won four of his six starts, his only poor show coming when favourite at Newmarket last time out but failing to quicken after racing too keenly. Has had a month off since that lapse.

2

Bertinelli

Started favourite but couldn’t quite match one rival at Cork on his 2023 return. A strong colt – who holds G1 entries – he is an interesting candidate from Ireland’s top stable in this handicap.

3

Exoplanet

Although he couldn’t handle the winner (who has won a Listed Derby Trial Stakes since), his second over this course and distance last month counts as a positive start to 2023.

4

Royal Rhyme

Has already been in action three times this year, easily doing best most recently when he appeared to thrive at the rise to this trip with a convincing Newmarket victory.

5

Desert Hero

Three good runs out of three at two, including two wins and a third in a Sandown G3. A longer trip for this 2023 return but his pedigree is packed with stamina.

6

Mr Mistoffelees

Has G1 entries but surely won’t be up to that level having just run respectably – though a well-beaten sixth – in a Newmarket G3 last month. Up in trip and into a handicap.

7

Forca Timao

A fast-ground novices’ winner on his second and final start last season. Led for some of the way when up to this trip and into Listed company this month, but faded. So stamina unproven.

8

Lieber Power

A Kempton winner last October, but a disappointing favourite back there in March. He is probably much better than that but will need to be to win this well-contested handicap.

9

Loyal Touch

Won two of his five two-year-old starts, including over 1600m in a Kempton handicap on his final 2022 venture. This longer trip is not a problem according to his pedigree.

10

Have Secret

Developed into a progressive handicapper last season, winning twice and especially impressive on soft ground and when moving up to this trip, at Nottingham. Raised 8lb for that, and now a gelding.

11

Cool Party

Won two of his three starts last year but yet to prove his three-year-old credentials after being well beaten at Newmarket – though he didn’t look happy on the soft surface that day.

12

Old Smoke

Expected to be suited by this rise in trip. He has been consistent and mildly progressive in maiden and novice company, winning narrowly last time.

13

Silver Sword

A tricky customer last season, refusing to race twice. Possibly reformed this year, judged by a convincing turf maiden victory last month. This is a much bigger challenge.

14

Pjanoo

Some encouragement last season. Into hot handicap company on his 2023 return, but the rise in trip not sure to help according to pedigree.

15

Raintown

Won her last three 2022 starts but they were all in modest all-weather company. Very hard to fancy.

16

Ithaca’s Arrow

The front-running winner of a 2400m novices’ event on the all-weather this month.  Likely to struggle down in trip but up into hot handicap grade.