AMFooty

Preference here goes to the Richard J. Bandey runner, Brulure Noire. Two-time course winner that arrives with plenty to prove, having unseated early at Chepstow most recently. Looks an interesting proposition back here, having finished 2nd over C&D a year ago off a 2lb higher mark. Tactically versatile horse that's shown to be effective when held or given a more forward ride. On ratings he does have plenty to find in this, but a 10st 13lb weight carry gives him a fighting chance over his preferred conditions.

Preference here goes to the Brian Ellison runner, Freddy Robinson. Modest 7-year-old who's 1-22 on turf. His only turf success came at this course in 2024 off a 3lb lower mark. Dual-purpose horse that certainly looks well handicapped off his hurdles mark. Holds solid course form, suggesting he should be competitive, having gone close over C&D in 2025 off a mark of 64. Operates off 58; any repeat of his peak best will see him in contention back in a low-level affair.

Preference here goes to the Harriet Dicken runner, The Grey Man. He arrives off the back of a career-best at Wetherby when winning by 1L in a novice chase off a 1lb lower mark. This looks more demanding in a higher grade, but he's progressive on RPRs and he's not much to find to at least hit the frame. His jumping can be erratic, but he makes up for that with his pure determination. Looks weighted to certainly have stamina in the tank if given a more patient approach.

Preference here goes to the Henry Daly runner, Jour d'Evasion. Progressive chaser last year, having notched up a trio of wins to elevate his mark from 117 to 132. He may have found his last outing too demanding when sent into a very competitive C1 handicap at Cheltenham most recently. That was mainly against his own age, and for a while he shaped with encouragement before fading quite quickly. He has a bit to prove back in this type of race, but it probably doesn't look as tough, and a step up in trip may help him settle better into a nice rhythm.

Preference here goes to the D K Weld runner, Coeur d'Or. Previous course winner that arrives off the back of a couple of lesser efforts when sent over testing ground. Looks a far more appealing proposition back on a less demanding surface, and he's well handicapped off his peak 2025 exploits. This includes an eye-catching 4th at the Curragh off a 9lb higher mark in May. Looks weighted to be versatile in tactics, but a bounce back to form is required. Patrick McGettigan takes off a handy 5lb.

Preference here goes to the Hamad Al Jehani runner, Real Gain. Previous course winner who makes his stable debut after a switch from Richard Hughes. Hard to fancy on recent outings, but he's been afforded time away and, just maybe, a switch of environment can spark him into life. Capable on his day, and his only turf win did come at this course off a 1lb lower mark in 2023. A prominent runner who looks well weighted to go from the front.

Preference here goes to the Roger Teal runner, Rosario. He makes his seasonal reappearance off the back of a solid effort at Southwell over 5f most recently. He made his usual late move but found trouble 1f out. Proven distance winner who posted a career best at Goodwood around this time last year to win a C2 0-105 handicap off a 1lb higher mark. He holds leading claims if given a strong pace to aim at, carrying 9st 7lb. Looks well handicapped on previous form.

Preference here goes to the Antony Brittain runner, Wicket Keeper. He arrives in form after posting a solid effort on stable debut over C&D off 9st 9lb. He goes again off the same mark, but he's more attractively weighted here despite being assigned to a deeper race. He can give another good account back in a smaller field. Only 4lb separate the field on RP ratings, so this is a very competitive heat on form. He should be in the mix if backing up his latest effort, with not much to find to be competitive.

Preference here goes to the John & Sean Quinn runner, Red Mirage. Arrives in good shape, having been kept in action over the winter on the AW. He made his seasonal reappearance at Doncaster with a very credible third over 7f on ground that he's struggled on previously. He is more effective on a sounder surface and is capable of backing up his latest run if running to the same level. He looks to be on a handy mark off his Ayr run in 2025. Harry Vigors' 7lb claim drops this horse to an attractive weight-carry. Relatively unexposed over C&D off his current mark.

Preference here goes to the Patrick Morris runner, Royal Deeside. Ran to form when beaten 8l at Haydock over 2m4f most recently. Took a keen hold in the early stages and was given too much free rein off a quickening pace. That meant he didn't quite see out the trip. Two-time course winner that should appreciate this step back in trip. Charlie Maggs takes the ride again, bringing his valuable 3lb claim. That drops this horse to a handy front-running weight. Race fitness should be assured with a recent run.

Preference here goes to the Kevin Ryan runner, Sergeant Wilko. Previous C&D winner that generally likes to make the running. Ran about to form when beaten 3l in a really competitive C2 handicap at Lingfield most recently. Looks interesting back here, having posted multiple good efforts. That includes a career best off a 6lb higher mark in May last year. Leading contender that should make the frame now the handicapper has relented further. Eased down in grade too, which could see him to good effect.

Preference here goes to the Charlie Longsdon runner, Parramount. He probably fared better than the bare result at Doncaster on his most recent start. He was given too much free rein, which ultimately cost him late on. He makes the switch to fences with a lot of unknowns about him. He looks well treated on old hurdles form and maybe this has come too late, as a 10-year-old. That said, he looks a leading contender if the switch does reignite him. The breathing aid goes on, which could have a positive effect.

Preference here goes to the Syd Hosie runner, Dirty Den. He failed to back up his Plumpton win off a revised mark most recently. It's possible his latest run came too soon when he was well held at Wincanton off a revised mark of 114. He's been afforded a 30-day break, which may see him to better effect. With only 5lb separating the field on RP ratings, I think this is a good spot to have a swing at a big price. He looks attractively weighted off previous form and is unexposed over C&D off 113.