The step up in trip is an interesting move for the in-form GINCIDENT, who has hinted this sort of distance could suit, and he earns the vote ahead of topweight Hamlet's Night who went close at Haydock a fortnight ago. The very lightly raced 4yo Fox Avatar is a possible improver for Roger Varian, while C&D winner Morcar and the thriving Mister Daydream are others to consider.[Ben Hutton]
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Well backed when back down in trip in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) at Haydock (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago on his second British start, and he was beaten just a head; just 1lb higher today and on the shortlist.
Won two in a row last October (1m2f, heavy/soft) and he's versatile ground-wise; he went close on his reappearance runs in 2021 and 2023 but this 11yo has gone back up the weights will have to be at the top of his game if he's to make a winning comeback today.
Won at Epsom (8.5f, soft) last September and he's fine on fast ground; could improve for last month's fair reappearance fourth at Epsom (8.5f, good) but there's a concern about his stamina now back up in trip.
Two fast-ground wins last year, including over C&D, and built upon his reappearance run to post a good third at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) recently; solid claims off the same mark this afternoon.
Made all at Beverley (1m2f, good) last month on second start back from an absence and followed up at Hamilton (1m3f, good to firm) last Sunday; things have clearly clicked and he's respected under a 5lb penalty.
Promise during last season's light, first campaign (including on fast ground) and close fourth on recent handicap/seasonal debut at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW); could do with settling better (the hood that was adopted last time is left off) but he's in top hands and open to improvement; possible player.
Stamina to prove on first run beyond 8.6f but he's been in good form since joining this yard (with and without the tongue-tie; absent today) and rallied late at Yarmouth (1m, good to firm) last time, suggesting this step up in trip is worth a go; hood returns (has run well in it); there's mileage in his mark based on his old form and it will be no surprise to see a big run.
Below-par fifth at Epsom last month but a combination of the 1m4f trip and the lack of a recent run may have counted against him; he's just 1lb higher than when winning at Epsom last August (1m2f, good; unraced on faster) and is capable of being in the mix now back down in trip.
Has a better strike-rate on AW but handicapped accordingly on turf and he's just 1lb higher than when winning at Sandown (1m2f, good) last July; had a wide trip when close sixth of 16 here (1m4f, AW) three weeks ago, so that run can be upgraded, and he's not ruled out.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
