Andrew Balding won this last year with one who improved for the step up in trip and WAY OF STARS (nap) can do likewise. He stayed on well for a clear second over 12.3f at Chester last time. The extra distance also looks a plus for the Gosden-trained Pantile Warrior and he is feared most ahead of Anniversary, who remains of interest despite a disappointing reappearance. Pole Star, Scarlet Moon and Many Men can also go well in this hot handicap.[Ben Hutton]
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Plenty of promise in light 2yo career at up to 1m2f on ground ranging from good through to heavy; disappointing favourite on last month's reappearance at York but it was his first encounter with fast ground; blinkers go on; there's stamina in his pedigree and he retains potential for his top yard.
His six runs have yielded one win, in a 1m2f AW maiden in March; improvement is needed but he stayed on well for fourth when upped to 1m4f in a handicap at York (good to firm) last time, and today's extra distance could be right up his street; unraced on slow ground; wears a first-time hood.
Denied a clear run when third at Southwell (1m4f, AW) in April on his handicap and seasonal debut, and kept on for a clear second at Chester (12.3f, good) last month; has run well on good to soft; represents last year's winning yard and today's longer trip could be a firm plus; big player.
Runner-up twice in a row on AW (1m3f/1m4f) before 1l third in Haydock novice (11.6f, good) in April; unexposed but he needs to find some improvement now up in trip in a warm race on his handicap debut.
Made debut on May 9 and built upon the promise of his first two starts (1m4f, good/good to firm) to win a 1m4f novice at Haydock (good) eight days ago; this game sort has shaped as though stamina is a strong suit and he could give a good account on handicap debut.
Dead-heated for first on handicap/AW debut at Southwell (1m4f) in April and he's won on AW the next twice (1m4f/1m6f); faces a hotter assignment today but could have more left in the tank; wears first-time cheekpieces; showed glimpse of promise last September on the second of his three turf runs.
Runner-up at Sandown (1m, good) last September on second start and returned with creditable third at Kempton (1m2f, AW) in April; there's stamina in his pedigree and it's still early days for this 350,000gns colt, but it's hard to be confident after his heavy handicap debut defeat (1m2f, AW).
Won Newmarket nursery (1m2f, soft) last October and followed up here (1m2f, good) in March; kept on for solid third at York last month (1m4f, good to firm; one place ahead of Pantile Warrior) and this further step up in trip is worth exploring; this likeable type could have a part to play.
Won on debut at Newcastle (1m, AW) last November and has produced fair performances in his three handicaps (1m2f-1m4f, AW/good/good to firm), most recently at Thirsk; however, needs something extra today.
Promise last autumn on his three 2yo starts (1m2f/1m1f, heavy/soft), posting a close third at Redcar on the final occasion; always in rear behind a couple of these on last month's handicap/seasonal debut at York (1m4f, good to firm), but was well backed and could improve for that run; 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 )
