Extremely competitive, with major interest almost all the way down the card. BINT AL DAAR is one of those who looks primed to go well, having looked in good form over 1m this term whereas her success last year came over further. She was second over C&D on good to firm ground at the Ebor meeting. Tony Montana also looks set for a big run, while Debora's Dream (second choice) shaped well at Chester and Brioni could return to form second time out, but so many of these justify enthusiasm. Man Of Desert is a fascinating newcomer to handicaps.[Richard Austen]
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Gamely made all in 18-runner handicap here (1m, good to firm) last August and fourth of 20 at Ascot (1m, soft) next time; disappointing second favourite in the Lincoln at Doncaster on reappearance and this is a new trip (fair chance to get it on pedigree) but he's well regarded and he hadn't made his debut a year ago, so could still improve.
Looked a useful prospect on good ground last spring and confirmed it on AW in recent outings; dictated a steady pace when winning the Easter Classic Handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) four weeks ago; 4lb higher today but lightly raced and could continue on his upward curve.
Started last season with two wins and he was third in major big-field handicaps at York and Goodwood, all over about 1m2f and the latter probably on good to firm; good second to an unexposed sort on reappearance at Goodwood 13 days ago and well capable of being on the premises.
Has a very solid record on good ground and AW but below form last summer on his only start on good to firm; better than ever at Sandown (1m2f) in August, getting up in the final strides in a six-runner race; 2lb higher today and off since but he could still have more to offer.
Improved form once he was gelded last summer, pipped at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good to firm) before drawing 4l clear at Ascot (1m2f, soft); below form both starts since but may have needed last month's reappearance outing (weak 11-1) and his stable is among the winners.
Sole win (18 races) remains a maiden on good to firm in 2023 and last year was pretty disappointing, on Flat and over hurdles; 25-1 when 4l behind Tony Montana at Goodwood on reappearance 13 days ago but dropped a further 3lb since and made some late headway, so all hope isn't lost.
Threatened last season to break his losing run and it finally happened at Ripon (1m2f, good) four weeks ago when he led over 2f out and raced nearly 5l clear; going back up 8lb may demand a career best but he's effective over C&D and on good to firm ground, and he might have turned a corner.
Two wins (1m2f/9.4f) last summer and back to form when taking minor honours under an inexperienced claimer over 1m on both starts this term; second of 15 over C&D (good to firm) last August off 3lb lower was one of her peak efforts, so she's firmly in the picture.
Won twice over 1m last July for Roger Varian; 0-5 for current yard and little help from the handicapper but he ran on nicely from a poor position when sixth of 14 at Chester (1m2f, good; acts on good to firm) eight days ago, nearly 3l behind Austrian Theory but it looked encouraging.
Won once in each of his four previous seasons; no better than fourth in his five races here but he rallied strongly when second at Redcar (1m) and Chester (1m2f) in his two runs this term, which demands respect.
His eight handicaps have all been over 1m with two wins on good to soft last year, latterly when rallying well at York in September on the only time he's worn cheekpieces; they return today, following a heavy defeat on reappearance four weeks ago, and he's run creditably on good to firm; new trip today but there is some stamina on the dam's side.
Half brother to Derby winner Desert Crown; all three races over 1m, 200-1 for a maiden at Yarmouth (good to firm) last time but he produced a big run from off the pace to be a close third of 12; this is a warm race for handicap debut but he has potential, for sure, and 1m2f is likely to help.
Three 1m2f wins on good/good to firm last season, possibly unsuited by softer ground when he appeared twice over C&D in the autumn; respectable second to Have Secret at Ripon (1m2f, good) on reappearance and he's a contender if back to his best.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
