A race to approach with some trepidation as a number of the runners are well treated if returning to form. Tough At The Top is unexposed and better than he showed at Southwell on his recent handicap debut and the addition of blinkers could help. Calafrio and Lady Of The Garr (second choice) need serious consideration but the combination of a drop into this grade and a wind operation could see MASTERCLASS return to form.[Paul Smith]
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Came from off the strong pace to win a 6f handicap at Wolverhampton in fine style 12 days ago; 4lb rise manageable if in the same form but he's 0-16 on turf and stall 1 probably isn't ideal.
Ran his best race for Paul Midgley at this track (7f, good to firm) last summer; quiet on AW this winter but he's tumbling down the weights and he has had wind surgery since last seen; has a lot of raw ability for one running at this level; interesting.
7lb lower than for her Wetherby success last April (5.5f, soft; first run for 110 days); ended 2024 with a few good efforts but she would be of greater interest on slower ground.
His form was on the up when last seen, improving for blinkers and/or a step up to 7f last autumn; capable of better this year but he drops back in trip and with the headgear left off for this first run for 147 days.
Easy win over C&D last summer (0-50 classified); twice a runner-up on AW in the autumn and this mark should be within range; ran quite well on last season's return; one to take seriously if stall 2 proves no hindrance.
Unplaced in five turf starts; capable sprinter on AW and he's been in good form this year; 10lb lower mark to exploit returned to grass but has too much to prove in this sphere.
Promise for Roger Varian but he hasn't made any impact in handicaps for his current stable; dropped 18lb as a consequence and now tries cheekpieces; others look safer.
Unexposed 4yo who displayed clear promise in his three qualifying runs (5f); no improvement for the switch to handicaps at Southwell last week, looking a hard ride in the closing stages; the addition of blinkers looks a good move and he remains capable of better.
Both wins over 5f at Newcastle, the latest off an 8lb higher mark last October; she has much more to prove on turf, though, even allowing for the lower mark in this sphere.
Big player on his 2023 form, including C&D, but he hasn't fired in two runs for his new stable after a 543-day absence; return to turf needs to give him a lift.
Looked a bit rusty when finishing in midfield in a 7f classified event at Newcastle three weeks ago; could build on that and he is drawn nearest the stands' rail should that prove advantageous; best turf form on slower than good so drying conditions aren't ideal.
Exposed maiden; offered a bit more returned to turf at Catterick on Wednesday (5f, good) but she reportedly bled from the nose; not sure to build on that effort and opposable once more.
