1

Mr Baloo

Yet to disappoint in seven starts this year, including four wins. Those were all on an all-weather surface and he hasn’t won on turf since October 2023. This looks tricky.

2

Mirsky

Had success over this trip when trained in France. Has largely struggled so far in the UK though did come go close at York last year, over similar trip on quick ground.

3

Darkness

Wins his fair share though is not especially consistent. Below his best since winning a soft-ground handicap at Sandown last September.

4

Sterling Knight

The winner of ten of his 49 starts, and generally in good form this year. This trip looks ideal and he can handle any ground.

5

Crack Shot

Well supported in the betting but failed to deliver a killer punch in the closing stages when third at Kempton last month on his first 2025 start and first start for this stable.

6

Cogitate

Hasn’t won in a light career since scoring on his career debut. The high hopes that his connections had for him then have not worked out so far. Still capable of a revival.

7

Dolce Courage

In first-time blinkers and also having his first starts on turf, he was only beaten 1L in fourth of 15 in a Doncaster handicap in March. Looks capable of better.

8

Great Chieftain

Hasn’t looked like winning on either of his starts this year. But he had won three of his last four 2024 starts and looks competitively handicapped if back at his best.

9

Global Skies

Not easy to recommend as his best performances – including his sole victory – have come on a slow ground, an unlikely scenario here.

10

Al Rufaa

Reaching the veteran stage now and has failed to win his last 13 starts, though did go close in handicaps on the all-weather on various occasions last year.

11

Classic Encounter

Produced probably a career best when returning from a 139-day break to deliver a strong late winning challenge over same trip to this at Redcar last month.

12

Waiting All Night

His handicap mark is gradually sinking but it didn’t help him make a big impact over this course and distance last month.

13

Longhaired General

Soundly beaten on his last two starts and yet to win on a turf surface. Led for much of the trip before fading out at Ascot on Wednesday.

14

He’s A Gentleman

Like others here he is returning from an all-weather campaign, including a handicap victory at Wolverhampton in January. Fairly handicapped if at his best.

15

Charming Whisper

A cheap purchase whose achievements include some decent races over this course and distance in the past. Sometimes slow from the gates which hasn’t helped.