There's a question mark about the furlong shorter trip for MAKES ME WONDER (nap), who showed marked improvement for the switch to turf when impressive over 1m at Yarmouth, but he ran a shade free if anything there so the return to 7f needn't be a big issue. Mister Sky Blue goes the other way in distance but he, too, arrives in fine form and can be the main danger ahead of the Tim Easterby pair Perfidia and Flamborough Head whose yard won the last two runnings of this race.[Emily Weber]
Watch Live UK & Irish Racing
Simply place a bet of £5 or more on
any UK or Irish race to watch the action live!
Won first turf handicap, over 1m here in April, and he's had more on his plate against improvers/unexposed rivals since, albeit he drew well clear with one on a four-timer at Ripon (good; first-time cheekpieces, retained) last time; had 7f form on AW; has less to prove than some.
Signs of ability as 2yo but he doesn't help himself by hanging and needs much more than shown in two handicaps at about 7f this year, in a hood and cheekpieces latest, now blinkered.
Looked a sprinter to follow when a ready winner of second 3yo start, at Hamilton (6f, good to firm) recently but the way he coped with that stiff finish suggests he should be effective back at 7f too; dangerous.
Not yet established her best trip but she kept on well enough when fourth over 7f on Southwell AW for new yard in April and entitled to come on for the run now tackling her first turf handicap; not far away.
Was making hard work of it from some way out on recent handicap debut at Southwell (7f, AW) but he did come home nicely in sixth; should improve with experience but perhaps not enough for win purposes today.
Thereabouts in 7f handicaps on AW and turf this year and he gave a plucky display when just missing out on a place in a blanket finish on Southwell AW 19 days ago; however, he didn't look a turf winner in waiting at Doncaster (1m) on Saturday.
Has yet to prove stamina for this far but he's been running well in 6f handicaps this year and did good late work behind the front-running winner here (good to firm) last month; perhaps this trip will suit with another winter under his belt; has a part to play.
Well connected and although his AW form was modest it was a different story on turf debut at Yarmouth (1m, good) when despite being denied the run he wanted he found a bright finish to beat one who landed a four-timer after; interesting back at 7f off just 4lb higher.
Still early days but while her first 7f run, when fifth on Wolverhampton AW last time, was perfectly respectable she needs more for the return to turf; not impossible that she'll find extra for this yard, though.
Best form on Tapeta earlier, when runner-up over 7f before 1m win; little between her and Flamborough Head on 1m running here in April but subsequent C&D run was less convincing; perhaps 7f will suit better on turf.
Two fair efforts in 6f turf handicaps this year, just keeping on at one pace at Ripon this month; has something to prove back at 7f in first-time cheekpieces.
Has possibilities off this mark on the pick of his 1m form for previous yard but he's made a slow start for this one, without and with headgear; minor claims.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )