Haydock has brought out the best in Sex On Fire but preference is for the lightly raced CITY OF GOD, whose AW form has worked out well. The Roger Varian-trained handicap newcomer Teroomm could play a leading role, while Newmarket winner Fort George (who went close yesterday) could also have lots more to offer. King Casper and Dixieland Blues are others to consider.[Ben Hutton]
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Good-ground 2yo winner who easily made all in Musselburgh handicap (1m, good to soft) last month on his second start of the season; fair fourth under penalty at Sandown (1m, good) six days later but new mark has now kicked in and he's 9lb higher than at Musselburgh; further improvement needed.
Two wins from first four starts (6f/7f, good/AW) before close Listed second at Bordeaux Le Bouscat (1m, heavy) last October; well beaten in Newbury Group 3 (7f, heavy) later that month and absent since; however, not written off with William Buick booked on his reappearance.
Built upon the promise of sole 2yo run to win at Bath (1m, good to firm) last month and he followed up in a novice at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) where he came clear with a useful prospect; he could have lots more to offer for his top Newmarket trainer and is one to consider on handicap debut.
Won here (7f, good to firm) last August on second start before a lesser run here (1m, good to soft) in September; displayed major improvement to make virtually all and win by 3l on last month's handicap and seasonal debut at Newmarket (1m, good) and a 9lb rise may not stop him today.
Went close on nursery debut here (6f, good) last July, which generated his best 2yo RPR, and he won over this C&D (good) in a first-time visor (retained since) last month; not beaten far when sixth of nine at Chester latest and the return to Haydock could be a major positive; interesting.
Promise on soft last autumn on first two starts; two AW wins since (7f/6f) and he may be suited by the step up to 1m but he's hard to fancy based on his recent sixth at Ascot (7f, good to firm); perhaps he needs slower ground.
Two AW novice wins from first three starts (7f/1m) and again ran well when 3l second of ten to King Casper on last month's turf and handicap debut at Newmarket (1m, good); however, he faded into fifth of eight at Goodwood (1m) yesterday, with Fort George in second.
Runner-up on first two starts (1m, AW) before winning a Southwell novice (1m, AW) last month; begins handicap life on a fair mark and his attractive pedigree provides hope that he'll progress; possible contender.
Fair efforts in three handicaps this season (1m/1m2f, AW/good) but now 0-7 since winning on his debut last June and needs something extra if he's to land this competitive handicap.
Gelded and returned with 1l win on handicap debut at Newmarket (1m, good) three weeks ago; came from the back of the field, for which he maybe deserves extra credit; respected up 5lb but he got going too late when beaten a neck at Goodwood (1m, good; 11-8 favourite) yesterday.
Has often run well in defeat and he got off the mark at the seventh attempt when upped to 7.4f in Beverley handicap (good) last month; just 2lb higher today but that was a narrow win a small field and he needs another step forward in this hotter race.
Won at Southwell (1m, AW) in January on second start and runner-up in small-field AW handicaps the next twice (7f/1m; 5-4 each time); now 5lb higher and has been thrust into a hot race for his turf debut but his handicap form is working out very nicely; could go well for top northern yard.
Prominent-racer who won nurseries at Hamilton (6f, heavy) and here (7f, soft) last September and he was a close fourth off this mark at Chester (7.5f, good) last time; however, he looks exposed and could be vulnerable.
Made it 3-3 in handicaps and in this headgear combination (all 1m, good to firm) when winning at Windsor on May 5; having shot up the weights he was a good second at Nottingham (1m, good to firm) a fortnight ago and further improvement can't be ruled out, but it's necessary now up in grade.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
