A big field but not many that make much appeal. Ziva's Star has to prove last week's Pontefract run wasn't a flash in the pan but she's likely to be higher in the weights in the future and still has low mileage. Hardlass could be suited by this trip, while Mayday Mayday and City Of Strangers are handicap newcomers to note for market confidence. The Pontefract handicap in which Perfidia (second) finished in front of SANBONA (fourth) last week looks the key formline though. Sanbona showed bright speed dropped back to 6f on that occasion and may be able to reverse the placings on 5lb better terms.[Paul Smith]
Watch Live UK & Irish Racing
Simply place a bet of £5 or more on
any UK or Irish race to watch the action live!
Big prices and ran to just a modest level in three qualifying runs; was returning from 204 days off when midfield at Newcastle (7f; stable debut) 11 days ago; betting useful back at 6f for her handicap debut.
Placed twice as a 2yo, notably when third in a 0-65 at Thirsk last September (6f, good to soft; cheekpieces first time); improved effort when finishing off well for second at Pontefract last week (6f, good; Sanbona back in fourth); solid contender.
Didn't live up to market expectation in three AW novice/maiden runs in February and March but did show some ability; makes her handicap debut at a low level and with a visor added; one to consider.
Won a Beverley claimer (5f, soft) for George Boughey last May; generally struggled for this yard afterwards and although she is down in the weights, she carries risk back from five months off.
Failed to build on her debut effort in four subsequent runs for Tom Ward; bought for 2,000gns last month by new connections and quickly dropped back to 6f; one to note for market confidence.
Sprung a 125-1 surprise at Newcastle in December (6f), finishing with a flourish; confirmed it wasn't a fluke when a close fourth at Southwell one week later; still has time to do better.
Didn't progress as a 2yo and he was well beaten on his reappearance here two weeks ago (1m, good); dropped back to 6f and tried in a visor at Pontefract last week and he showed good speed, having most of the field off the bridle over 2f out; tired in the closing stages, eventually finishing fourth, but it suggested sprinting was his forte and he is able to race off 5lb lower today; solid claims.
Hinted at better in two 5f Tapeta runs to start her 3yo campaign; well beaten upped to 7f last time; tempting mark returned to turf and this could be her trip.
Well held in three sprint runs as a 2yo; attracted support on his handicap/AW debut at Newcastle last month (7f) but finished well beaten; blinkers added now back sprinting; interesting to see if his backers return.
Consistent rather than progressive so far; not beaten far at Southwell in February on her handicap debut (6f) but that form doesn't look anything special; may do better but such progress is needed.
Down the field in three 6f novices at Newcastle in late 2024; not easily recommended on that evidence but the latest effort did offer hope of better at some point; betting to guide now making handicap/turf debut.
Didn't progress as a 2yo and it was just modest form when third of six at Bath on her return 17 days ago; interesting that top yard is persevering with her and Tom Marquand takes over in the saddle today.
First signs of promise when a 66-1 second at Newcastle (6f) on her second nursery run; failed to back it up at the same track one month later; hooded for her return to action; risky.
Showed little on her first four starts but much more to take from last week's Pontefract fifth (6f, good; fillies' novice), racing wide but only losing third late on; likely she'll be getting a hike up the weights for that and she's open to further progress; not ruled out.
