1

Tactical

Looks to have a tough assignment off top weight on this 2022 return, though he did win a 1400m Newmarket handicap here off a similar handicap mark on his first start of 2021.

2

Summerghand

A specialist at this trip, he swooped late to win a G3 over this course and distance – perhaps the best of last year’s achievements. Disappointing at Meydan earlier in 2022.

3

Jumby

Progressive last season, twice winning here – once 1200m. Made a solid return when third in a G3 here this month and is a worthy candidate despite a rising handicap mark.

4

Justanotherbottle

All speed, this nine-times winning veteran is likely to race right up with the pace. He must compete off a high handicap mark but his recent second at Musselburgh was another fine effort.

5

Apollo One

Has not won on grass since 2020, and his two all-weather runs this year do not suggest he is about to win a red-hot handicap like this one. Did nearly win on Newmarket’s July Course last year.

6

Final Song

Won a G3 at Meydan last year and then came very close to winning a very valuable G1 there. However she has consistently disappointed since then.

7

Asjad

Likely to be one of the favourites here after an impressive winning start to 2022 over this trip at Redcar. Brought out again quickly so that he only runs under a 5lb penalty.

8

Run To Freedom

A smart handicapper over 1200m and 1400m last season, he ran a good fourth here up to G3 grade this month, especially as he did not have a favourable trip. Chances.

9

Mr Wagyu

A very smart 13-times winning sprinter when in top shape, such as when he easily outspeeded 24 rivals at Goodwood last July. However not usually at his peak on his seasonal return.

10

Bickerstaffe

Enjoyed a rewarding 2021 with three handicap victories over this trip, including at Ascot on his final start. He has won on fast ground but is considered better on good or slower.

11

First Folio

Returns from a 237-day absence but he won first-time-out last season and also comes from a stable in good form. Very effective at this trip and best on a fast surface.

12

Blackrod

Lightly raced but very fast with this trip looking his ideal. Won two nice prizes last season, on Newmarket’s July Course and at York. More progress expected this year.

13

Persuasion

Has been gelded and changed trainers since his last start 200 days ago. His two career wins have come over 1400m and he may find some rivals too quick here.

14

Chairmanoftheboard

Quite well fancied according to the betting but faded out on his only start this season. A winner over this trip at Haydock last season, slow ground looking in his favour then.

15

Strike Red

From a stable that have won this hot handicap before. Gained three handicap wins – all at this trip – last season. Made eyecatching late headway after a slow start on his 2022 return, here this month.

16

Above

Only one win on a grass surface so far but has no problem with it, and he was an encouraging second over 1400m here this month despite racing too keenly early on.

17

If You Dare

Yet to win from three turf starts but in good form on the all-weather at this trip, winning two of his last three starts and, after leading from the gate, held on bravely at Lingfield this month.

18

Raatea

Has a good record at Newmarket, and – despite being slow from the gates and losing a shoe – he was doing very good work at the end when a close third in a handicap here this month.

19

Bernardo O’Reilly

A seven times winner but seems best according to his trainer on a flat track and on slow ground so things might not be ideal for him here. Also 7lb higher in the handicap than when winning at Doncaster.

20

Tarhib

A very expensive purchase but very lightly raced so far, having won just two of her four starts, both at this distance. Her brilliant trainer could get much more progress from her this year.

21

Oso Rapido

Has won three of his 17 starts on a turf surface – over this trip and further. Only beaten a length when fifth at Thirsk this week, but not an obvious winner of this.