The handicapper has had WAY OF LIFE in a vice-like grip for three years now and there was no love lost after a 1lb nudge for finishing, an admittedly unlucky, fourth last time. However, there's no obvious pace here, which might present an opportunity for the 7yo, and he can finally get another one over the assessor if allowed to go forward. Afloat should also make her presence felt in the bid to go back-to-back, while Westridge (second choice) will appreciate going up in trip and Trouville is probably capable of better this term.[Richard Russell]
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Narrowly denied a now smart stablemate in a Windsor novice (1m, good to firm) last June having shaped well here (7f) the time before; hasn't quite matched that in handicaps since, similar form all three starts including AW and on his return at Newbury (1m2f, good) last month, but he comes from a strong-staying Aga Khan family and this extra furlong will suit, as may the added cheekpieces; respected.
Won maiden at Chepstow last May; good fourth of 13 in a Doncaster handicap (1m4f, good to soft) in September but it wasn't happening when he was hampered in the Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket one month later; gelded and drops in class for this reappearance/AW debut; unraced at two and he's probably capable of better this term.
Completed a five-timer between November 2021 and May 2022, including four on AW; the handicapper's got a long memory and a losing run has been the feature since, but a string of consistent efforts include no less than 12 second-placings and he had zero luck when fourth at Lingfield (1m4f) last time; yard continues to tick along very nicely and a well overdue sixth success could be in the offing.
Won at Yarmouth (11.5f, soft) last October for Rae Guest; built on her encouraging stable/seasonal debut at Leicester (1m4f, good to firm) when winning at Haydock (1m2f, good) 19 days ago, tongue tied both times; four lesser runs on AW at the start of her career are likely irrelevant and she should be a threat off 2lb higher than last time.
Dual course winner (1m4f) who made a fairly encouraging return from break over that C&D when beaten a little over 6l in April; didn't build on it over 1m6f on good to firm next time but may do better returned to this venue; fair to say he needs to.
Beaten about 30l in two hurdle races for this yard in 2022; fairly useful sort in Ireland on the Flat in 2019 and 2020, however, including on AW at up to 1m4f; not seen for over three years but the handicapper's factored that in and market support should be heeded.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
