The step up in trip may well be a positive for the unexposed 4yo MUSICAL TOUCH, who has won 6f handicaps the last twice, and he can complete a hat-trick. Sword makes his debut for David O'Meara and has potential off his current mark, and he could be the main danger. Delicacy is 1-1 for James Owen and could have more to offer for the stable, while last year's winner Riot may be able to return to form following a break. Mereside Diva, Master Richard, One Night Thunder and Quest For Fun could also run well.[Ben Hutton]
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Returned to form with a win on reappearance at Newcastle on Sunday (7f, AW; won the same race last year); highly effective on turf earlier in career but failed to shine on grass last season (well beaten in this).
Won at Chepstow (6f, good; unraced on faster) last September on second start and followed up in Pontefract handicap (6f, soft); didn't kick on subsequently but returns from four-month break and retains potential for top yard.
Reappeared with a win at Newcastle (6f, AW) last month and creditable third at Chester (7f, good) last week; however, he might be vulnerable to stronger stayers at this trip now back on a galloping track.
Off the mark at the seventh attempt for the Gosdens at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last October when last seen; sold for 55,000gns later that month; drops back in trip for this stable and seasonal debut but his trainer does extremely well with recruits from other yards; Tudhope rides; could be on a good mark.
Lightly raced 5yo who was a close fourth of 15 in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Doncaster (7f, good) in March; however, beaten a long way out at Newmarket (1m good) since, and hard to be confident after that.
Good campaign last season, including second of 18 over C&D (good to soft) last May; reappeared with creditable fourth at Wetherby (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago and that outing may have put her spot on for today.
Won at Lingfield (7f, AW) in March and fair fourth at Pontefract (5f, good) next time; excuse at Chester last week when slowly away; however, he's 11-66 on AW as opposed to 1-32 on turf so isn't the percentage call.
Won at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) last October on second handicap start and belatedly followed up at Thirsk (6f, good) last month; strong at the finish for both wins and this unexposed 4yo could have more to offer now tackling 7f for the first time; firmly in calculations.
Won at Newcastle (6f, AW) last November and close third over 7f there in February; kept on for fair fifth at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) latest and could build on that now back up to 7f; not ruled out each-way.
Soundly beaten on reappearance at Redcar last month but may have needed the run; won three times last summer (7f, good/good to firm) and went close off this mark on final run last season; not ruled out.
Front-runner whose losing run goes back to May 2023; however, his reduced mark appeals on last year's best form and he could improve for last month's reappearance fourth at Redcar; effective here; could make bold bid.
Lightly raced 5yo who needs to prove how much ability he retains but he was sent off at 15-2 and had no luck in running when returning from a long absence at Newcastle (7f, AW) a fortnight ago, finishing a 7l last of eight; another 4lb lower today and he's an interesting candidate.
Inconsistent on AW this year and below par latest, while the forecast fast ground may be a negative; however, he won over C&D (good to soft) last May and is still entitled to respect now back here on a competitive mark.
Very well handicapped on last year's best efforts and showed spark as recently as November; however, he's been soundly beaten on AW on his three runs this year and this regressive 8yo needs to turn things around.
Went off the boil in January but he'd been on the go for a long time and a break may have helped; often runs well here and he's 1lb lower than when winning this race last year; could have a big part to play.
0-14 last year and his form went the wrong way, while he's unproven on fast ground (albeit hasn't had many chances); however, he's 8lb lower than when second of 17 over C&D (good to soft) last June and was well backed on last month's return at Thirsk (7f, good) when an unlucky ninth; a possible.
Tends to start slowly but that didn't stop him winning at Ayr (7f, good) last time; ran well when third of 16 over C&D (good to soft) last June and also effective on fast ground; each-way shout.
9yo who hasn't threatened on AW on his last three starts but a big field and a strong pace over this C&D could bring out the best in him, as was the case when he won this in 2023 (good to firm); not discounted.
Returned to form on last Saturday's stable debut with 1l win at Leicester (7f, good to firm); trainer does very well with recruits from other yards and she could have plenty more to offer; on the shortlist under 5lb penalty.
Won at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) last June and some fair AW runs since December (6f/5f); however, this is a hot race in which to test his stamina for 7f and others have more compelling credentials.
Went close in big field at Doncaster (7f, good) in March on second stable start and he's produced positive performances when fifth at Musselburgh (7f, good) and Ripon (1m, good) the next twice; each-way possibilities.
Two-time French winner who ran fairly well on his British debut over C&D last June and is now 15lb lower; however, this year's form has been patchy and his claims aren't pressing; wears first-time cheekpieces.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
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