Only eight runners but still an intriguing contest. American Affair was a huge improver last year and returns from a seven-month absence off a feasible mark judged on his Portland win. Jer Batt (second choice) could kick on again this year, while Mon Na Slieve and Vince L'Amour step up in class but both have fitness on their side. So too does COVER UP (nap), who has been running with great credit in good sprints in the UAE for his new stable. He's a strong traveller who could enjoy a perfect tow into this with speed drawn across the track.[Paul Smith]
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Made his name for the Gosdens on AW but he's fine on turf too and ran well in all three turf starts at Meydan for his new stable (flopped on dirt in February); 5lb higher than when winning at Doncaster last October but conditions should suit and he's a big player.
Runner-up in this race in 2023; came good last autumn on slow ground, winning 5f handicaps at Chester and Catterick; well behind Cover Up on final run in 2024 and he'll need to leave his recent AW reappearance behind him.
One of the success stories of the 2024 season, winning three handicaps, including over C&D and the valuable Portland at the Doncaster St Leger meeting; 11-4 favourite for the Ayr Gold Cup when last seen but raced freely and didn't get home; remains capable of better over 5f, won first time out last year and is just 2lb higher than for the Doncaster win; chance.
Speedy sort who won twice last year, notably at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good); absent since a good fourth off this mark at Southwell 233 days ago; career best required but that's not out of the question.
Promising return to action over C&D last April and showed what he was capable of when beating his 21 rivals at York's Ebor meeting (5.5f, good to firm); close third behind American Affair in the Portland and ran okay at Ascot when last seen; could progress further this year but he'll need to.
Won from American Affair at Haydock last summer (5f, good) and ended 2024 by chasing home Cover Up at Doncaster (5f, soft); weighted to beat both of those rivals today and connections won this race in 2022; capable of another prominent showing.
Has speed to burn and he's been on a sharp upward curve since headgear was fitted last September, winning three of his last five starts; 7lb rise for latest Chelmsford win asks more of him and stall 1 is not ideal.
Quiet winter on AW but, having dropped 10lb in the weights, he rewarded market support with a ready C&D win 17 days ago; this time he has 5lb rise, stronger opposition and other pace to contend with but still likely to go well.
Won three handicaps in 2024, all on soft or heavy; fully effective on a sounder surface and should be sharper with a recent return to action behind him; could be in for another good year but eligible for weaker races.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
