Liam Swagger (second choice) holds leading claims but an interesting alternative is ARTISTIC STAR, who has Group form and runs off an attractive mark in this first attempt in a turf handicap. Furthermore, the selection's Derby and King Edward VII efforts in 2023 provide optimism that he'll be suited by this new trip. Story Horse looks set to go well and Wild Waves looks set to rebound.[Steve Boow]
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Useful dual-purpose performer; creditable second in the 2024 Ebor and has won both Flat outings since, the latest narrowly at Musselburgh (1m6f); 2lb badly in under a penalty but is likely to be involved.
Record of 0-7 since winning his first two races but has several pieces of middle-distance Group form; returns to turf after two AW attempts and has possibilities off current mark, provided the new trip suits.
Completed a useful handicap hat-trick last summer and ran well in Nottingham Listed event on reappearance; however, needs to rebound from Musselburgh flop (finished last of 14) behind Kihavah.
Well beaten in the Musselburgh contest won by Kihavah but generally progressive otherwise and can't be written off; ran well on the figures in the Melrose and the St Leger in last couple of 3yo starts.
Brings notable form, having finished third in the Ebor and the November Handicap last season; still getting no help from the assessor, however, and has nothing in hand off current mark.
Stablemate of Align The Stars; all handicap wins at Ripon (1m4f), the most recent by a narrow margin last weekend; 2lb badly in under a penalty and not the percentage call in this scenario.
Useful juvenile hurdler in the 2023-24 season, having won in Listed grade and finishing third in the Fred Winter; ran well at Chelmsford (1m6f, AW) returned to the Flat last time; future mark 2lb higher; respected.
Prescott gelding who has form figures of 121224 in handicaps, mostly in 2023; hindered by steady pace when last seen just over a year ago; may still have more to offer and market support should be heeded.
Creditable third at Southwell (1m6f, AW) on seasonal debut; successful twice on turf last summer and looks interesting returned to this sphere with Saffie Osborne back on board, being 1-1 under this rider.
Contrasting performances the last twice, winning over hurdles then disappointing favourite (last of ten) back on the Flat; not sure what to expect from him and this looks a difficult task anyway.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
