This is highly competitive but the vote goes to the unexposed 4yo KINGKEER, who made his breakthrough with a convincing win over C&D two weeks ago and is open to more progress. Last month's Chelmsford winner Cavalry Call is feared most, although Macari was as good as ever when scoring at Salisbury on Thursday and he's respected on his drop back in trip. Educator enters the reckoning after his smooth success at Lingfield, while others to consider are Fast Steps and First Officer.[David Moon]
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Dual hurdle winner who recorded his second Flat win when scoring under a positive ride at Salisbury (1m6f, good to firm) on Thursday; has a penalty in this deeper race but he was as good as ever last time and this drop back in trip should be fine; respected.
Won soft-ground maiden in France for David Menuisier last August and placed in Doncaster handicap (1m4f, good to soft) the following month; had tough assignments in Listed events in next two starts but she returned to calmer waters with ninth of ten on stable debut here (1m2f, good to firm) last month; may have needed that run but she's now 1-12 and others are more convincing.
Won here (1m2f, good to soft) last April and was also successful at Newmarket (1m1f, soft) in the autumn; only 1lb higher than for that last success and he reappeared with a creditable fourth back at this track last month; should benefit from that run and he has won over 1m4f on fast ground in the past; in the mix.
Went close at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) and Bath (1m2f, good to firm) last month before a comfortable success back at Chelmsford (first-time visor) last time; 3lb higher at this new trip but he was strong at the finish last time and he still has scope for further progress; interesting contender.
Ended a three-year losing spell when scoring off a reduced mark at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) last month, on his first run after wind surgery; back up 4lb in the weights but that was a smooth success and he could be a big factor again back on turf.
All four wins have been at shorter trips but he has form at 1m4f and is generally reliable; wasn't beaten far here on his reappearance three weeks ago and he's now only 1lb higher than for his Newbury win (1m2f, good to firm) last summer; dangerous back up in trip.
His sole win was in a Tapeta maiden (1m2f) two years ago but he's well treated on his best form and was a creditable second behind Cavalry Call at Chelmsford (1m2f; tongue-tie added) last month; this step back up in trip should be fine and he could go well again back on turf.
Off the mark at the ninth attempt when making virtually all off 3lb lower at Salisbury (1m2f, good to firm) 15 days ago; battled well in that race but that was a narrow success in a small field and this is tougher back up in trip and grade.
1m2f winner at Brighton (soft) and Sandown (good) last September; two respectable efforts behind emphatic winners over 1m4f this season but he's still 3lb higher than for his last success and this is highly competitive; others preferred.
Won three of her first five starts but last success was in June 2023 and she's finished down the field in her last five runs; mark continues to fall but she needs to raise her game at this new trip.
Lightly raced 4yo who returned after a gelding operation with a fast-ground win over C&D (6-5 favourite) two weeks ago; this is tougher off 4lb higher but he showed a good attitude for that convincing success and is open to more progress; big player.
