It's hard to rule out any of these but the vote goes to ten-time winner STERLING KNIGHT, who finished well when runner-up at Newmarket last Saturday and is only 1lb higher on this step back up in trip. Second choice is Native Warrior who ran for a long way in the Lincoln on his reappearance and still has potential after only eight starts. Alpha Crucis has claims if he gets his favoured slow ground, while handicap newcomer Socialite needs a close look on his return.[David Moon]
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Made debut last May and won a Leicester maiden (7f, good) and Doncaster novice (7f, good; made all) on first two starts; wasn't beaten far in Newmarket Listed race (1m, good to soft) next time and he had tough task behind Lead Artist at Goodwood (Group 3) in final run last season; been gelded and now returns after 297 days off but he still has potential and needs a close look on handicap debut.
Well handicapped on his best form last year, but losing run is up to 17 and he was always in rear in a Class 2 handicap at Newmarket (1m1f, good) 23 days ago; others preferred.
Four-time AW winner who is 1-10 on turf; last success was off only 2lb lower at Chelmsford (7f) in December but he's been beaten around 6l in both subsequent runs; ran into a handicap blot when third at Ascot (1m, good to firm) last time but he needs to find more back up in grade.
Won two in a row in the mud at Goodwood (1m1f/1m) in the autumn; last win was off 4lb lower but he reappeared with a respectable eighth in the Lincoln (1m, good to soft) and should benefit from that run; could be dangerous, particularly if he gets his favoured slow ground.
Won Nottingham maiden (8.3f, good) last May and was placed in handicaps at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood in next two runs; down the field in last two starts but he ran well for a long way in the Lincoln (1m, good to soft; first run since gelded) on his return in March; ties in with Alpha Crucis on that form and he still has potential after only eight runs; respected.
Acts on fast and heavy ground; has ten wins on his CV and he's finished second in three of his last five runs including a strong-finishing effort at Newmarket (7f) last Saturday; only 1lb higher and he's an interesting contender back up in trip.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
