Things didn't work out for STANAGE (nap) when he was dropped to 6f at Newmarket 12 days ago but he kicked off this campaign in really good form over 7f and this well-bred and lightly raced 4yo could still have more to offer now back up to 1m. Last year's runner-up Northern Express is feared most now back in cheekpieces, while fellow three-time course winner Blue For You could also pose a major threat. The reappearing C&D winner Sisyphean is respected under Ryan Moore.[Ben Hutton]
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Not at his best on either run this year but he's back in cheekpieces today, in which he won the competitive International Handicap at Ascot (7f, good to firm) last June; he's just 1lb higher today and has lots of good form at York, including a close second in this 12 months ago; player.
Completed a 7f hat-trick last summer (soft/good) and he ran well over 1m on fast ground last May; this 4yo retains potential and may have needed his comeback run 19 days ago, but has to take a sizeable step forward.
8yo who looked as good as ever when reappearing with close third of 13 in the Thirsk Hunt Cup 12 days ago; could give another good account and he won two in a row here in summer 2021, but he's 0-15 at York since; has never won off a mark this high (up 2lb for last time) and may be vulnerable.
Kept on well for close third on last month's reappearance at Haydock (7f, good) which bodes extremely well for his prospects today, with his last three wins having come over this C&D (good/good to soft); also effective on fast ground; his usual visor returns and he's a leading contender.
Won two in a row earlier this spring (7f, good), following wind surgery, and he may be okay now back up to 1m; capable of better than he's shown on his two runs since, but those defeats knock him down the pecking order today.
Front-runner who won by 5l over C&D (good to soft) last July and was a close fourth at Goodwood (1m2f, good to firm) in August, losing two places close home; soft ground may not have suited here when last seen in October; lightly raced and could make a bold bid under Ryan Moore on his reappearance.
Made it 3-5 when winning Haydock handicap (1m, good to firm) last August; lesser performances on both runs since and was beaten a long way in the Lincoln on reappearance, but those were on good to soft going and this lightly raced 4yo may appreciate the return to better ground; not written off.
Front-runner who won the first of his two starts in France (1m, heavy) and comfortably made all on his British and stable debut in a novice at Redcar (1m, good to firm) last month; thrown in at the deep end for his handicap debut but it will be no surprise if this well-bred 4yo is up to the task.
Won at Redcar (7f, good to firm) last month and creditable fourth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good) 12 days ago; each-way claims if his good form continues and he won this in 2022, but it's a long time since this 8yo has posed a threat at York.
Seven-time AW winner, the latest in February 2024, and he's well handicapped on that form (has a lower turf mark); however, he's failed to get competitive on his five runs since and is 0-9 on grass; others preferred.
Can be headstrong but he was strong at the finish to win at Doncaster (7f, good) in March on his only previous run in this hood, and he was repeatedly denied a clear run when third at Newmarket next time (7f, good; back in blinkers); unbalanced when soundly beaten down to 6f at Newmarket recently and the return to 1m is well worth a go; this lightly raced, ex-Gosden 4yo still has considerable potential upside in view of his excellent pedigree.
Has won in double-figure fields over 1m on AW the last twice; has shown ability on turf in the past but he's 6-21 on AW as opposed to 0-14 on grass, and he didn't shine when tackling this surface last season.
Now 4lb lower than when close third at Ayr (1m, good to firm) last September; unable to reproduce that form since but he was caught wide when a well-backed favourite in the Thirsk Hunt Cup 12 days ago and is not ruled out.
Finished well to win over C&D (good to firm) last July and at Pontefract (1m good to firm) in September; fair third at Pontefract (1m, good) a fortnight ago on second start back and the expected competitive gallop in this big field should play to his strengths; not discounted.
