This is fiercely competitive and set to be well run with a spread of pace across the track. Acrisius travelled so strongly on his reappearance that he has to command respect, while Cape Sovereign and handicap newcomers Elouise's Prince, Just King High and Sudden Flight are also of some interest. Oisin Orr rides Mearall but Loom (second choice) appeals most of the Fahey contingent following his promising return to action at Newmarket and the return to 5f looks sure to suit. He can win handicaps off his mark but AGAINST THE WIND (nap) looked one to keep on the right side of when winning at Thirsk on his return and he can take the 6lb rise in his stride.[Paul Smith]
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6f win at Newbury last summer, his second start, before coming up short in strong company; had wind and gelding operations prior to his stable/seasonal/handicap debut at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) last month, a race where he pulled hard and was beaten a long way (wore a hood and a tongue-tie, both absent today); 5f might suit but he's not solid.
5f AW win last summer and also ran well in a sales race here at the Ebor meeting, looking stretched by the sixth furlong; gelded prior to his Thirsk reappearance (5f, good to firm) and he turned in an improved display, travelling strongly and finding plenty off the bridle; up 6lb but could well have more in the tank; connections had Vantheman finish second in this race last year.
Won twice over 5f as a 2yo (good and soft) and also performed with credit over C&D; 6lb higher than when scoring at Haydock on his only handicap run and this is more suitable than some of his subsequent assignments.
5f novice win as a 2yo before running with credit in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot; absent for ten months (gelded) prior to his reappearance at Newmarket last month, a race where he travelled strongly before tiring in the closing stages; dropping back to 5f should suit and this mark probably not beyond him; one to consider.
The form of his Southwell maiden success has been handsomely advertised by the runner-up (now BHA-rated 100); failed to concede a penalty to the 86-rated Carrados at Wolverhampton three weeks ago but still ran a fine race; likely he'll need to improve again to defy this mark on his turf and handicap debut but it wouldn't be a huge surprise.
Won a maiden and a novice last summer (both 5f; good and good to firm) before coming up short in Listed company at Ayr when last seen in September; opening mark demands improvement.
Impressive on last season's debut (6f, good; strong favourite); third in Listed company a fortnight later but his form dipped at Thirsk when last seen in September; gelded over the winter; should be quick enough to cope with 5f but not obviously well treated; stable also run Loom and Tuscan Point.
Too green to do himself justice on debut last September (5f, good) but he put the experience to good use, winning two 5f events at Wolverhampton in October and November (made all both times); not obviously thrown in for this handicap debut but his ceiling is yet to be established.
Showed a useful level of ability in six runs for Karl Burke last year, notably her second of 11 in a conditions event at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good to firm); sold for 35,000gns in September; can win races this year but not sure she's well-enough treated for a race of this nature.
Came to hand early last season but she was highly tried after her easy Lingfield win last June (5f, good) and failed to add to her tally; had a wind op in February and returns with her yard's hot spell showing no sign of slowing down; no tongue-tie this time.
Three 5f wins as a 2yo but he was a well-beaten 16-1 shot at Chester on his reappearance nine days ago; this looks a better race and he needs a big leap forward.
All runs over 6f, winning at Kempton in December (made all) and showing better form when second of ten at Ripon four weeks ago (6f, good; turf debut; beaten at short odds); should be quick enough for 5f and his Commonwealth Cup entry, while seeming unlikely now, suggests he's well thought of; could well do better.
Overcame inexperience to make a winning debut at Southwell last April; highly tried in the summer and came up short; faces a more realistic assignment on his reappearance and he's had wind and gelding operations during his absence; hard to say he was thrown in here though.
Off the mark at the third attempt as a 2yo, keeping on well to land a 5f Southwell maiden; that form has been advertised since and he's undergone wind surgery during his absence; unexposed and one to consider.
Won at Ripon (5f, good) one year ago and ran well when a close fifth in the Super Sprint on his next start; progress has stalled since and he was 3l behind Against The Wind at Thirsk on his reappearance.
Often held back by a refusal to settle when trained by the Quinns last year; never in the hunt in a Class 5 at Catterick on his stable debut three weeks ago; up in class and others have more pressing claims.
Brighton maiden win as a 2yo (5.5f, good to firm); improved form on his reappearance/handicap debut at Doncaster three weeks ago (5f, good to firm), tanking through the race but collared in the final stride; his early pace will be an asset over C&D and he could yet rate higher.
Made a winning debut at Carlisle last June (5f, good to firm); highly tried on her second start and came up short; ran okay on her nursery debut 259 days ago without suggesting she was ahead of her mark.
Expensive to follow in his six starts but he has shown promise, including when second on his handicap debut at Beverley 11 days ago; in deeper today and stable may have stronger claims with Against The Wind.
Showed some promise as a 2yo but his best run came over 7f on good to soft ground; gelded prior to his reappearance; 1lb out of the handicap and his stable look to hold stronger claims elsewhere.
Took a good step forward when forcing a handicap blot to pull out all the stops at Haydock three weeks ago (6f, good; distant third has won since); looked quick enough for 5f on that occasion but she did have the benefit of the stands' rail and, perhaps more significantly, she's racing off effectively 7lb higher today.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
