1

Cite d’Or

An outsider in a Listed event over this course and distance in April but she made some good late progress to finish third, probably the best run of her eleven-race career so far.

2

Torito

Beat two rivals at Nottingham in April, his best run coming subsequently in a stronger event at Sandown, finishing second with the first two clear of the rest. Handicapping now.

3

Lose Your Wad

Winner of one of his three starts, in a 1600m Kempton maiden in April. Considering he was hampered, he performed quite well when fourth in a Chester Listed event last month.

4

Forca Timao

Ran better than his odds of 33-1 might have suggested when a close fifth in a well-contested handicap over this trip at Newbury last month. On that evidence, he’s improving.

5

Promoter

Never able to get competitive after a slow start on his seasonal return. The rise in trip should suit according to his breeding, but it will need to if he is to make a bigger impact this time.

6

Maasai Mara

Has won two of his three starts this season and, though losing concentration once in front, held on at Ascot last month. A progressive-looking type for a top stable.

7

Sol Cayo

Encouraging placed performances last season before finally getting off the mark at Wolverhampton. A longer trip should suit for this return, but facing some strong-looking rivals from top stables.

8

Kadovar

An obvious plus that he has winning form here, and very impressive that day as well. His high handicap mark may have been what resulted in a less good show at Newmarket last time.

9

Fox Journey

Has progressed nicely from two to three judging by his victory at Newmarket last month, going clear close home. Hiked 9lb for that but he still looks a key player.

10

Perfect Play

Both starts since being gelded represent career-best runs, most recently and just a week ago when justifying favouritism with a front-running display at Chester.

11

Silver Sword

Kicked off 2023 with an impressive maiden race victory on Southwell’s all-weather track. This cheaply-bought gelding faces some expensive purchases from top stables on this handicap debut.

12

God Of Fire

A comfortable Wolverhampton maiden winner in January but a well beaten last of three on handicap debut at Sandown last month. He raced much too freely that day.

13

Balance Play

Yet to win in three starts but came very close on his seasonal return, just beaten in a field packed with well-regarded novices. This expensive purchase moves up in trip for this handicap debut and it should help.

14

Blue Universe

Returning from a break and being raised in trip saw him gain his first career success, at Wolverhampton, prior to finding one of his two rivals much too good at Sandown.