Successful over 1m2f at Newmarket (soft) in May and a respectable effort when fourth on the AW next time. Cheekpieces worn when fifth of six back to Newmarket last time out are absent now. No margin for error.
Obliged at the fourth time of asking in a 1m2f maiden on the AW in April and went close from this mark on his handicap debut. Took a step backwards when below par over a longer trip next time but dangerous to dismiss.
Had shown up well in the main prior to finally breaking his maiden tag at the seventh attempt in the mud at Newbury (1m2f) last month. Only raised 3lb, so no surprise to see him again make his presence felt.
Enjoying a good season with three wins over this sort of trip, most recently at Windsor on an easy surface. Has been competitive from a revised mark twice since and likely to again be on the premises.
Opened his account on his handicap debut over 1m4f at Doncaster in July and, though below that form the next twice, he stormed to an easy win at Chepstow (1m2f, good to soft) last week. Bigger questions under a penalty, though still 3lb 'well in'.
Gained the best of his three wins over this C&D from an 8lb higher mark just over a year ago. Obvious claims here on that form but just hasn't raced with the same sparkle this year, including when tried over hurdles latest.
Progressive form in maidens, culminating in a facile odds-on romp over 1m at Ffos Las (good to soft) last time out. Likely there is more to come and commands the utmost respect from an in-form yard which won this prize a year ago.
Out of his depth in a valuable Glorious Goodwood handicap last time out but had earlier won successive 1m2f handicaps at Brighton and Epsom on decent ground, albeit from lower marks. Others arguably better handicapped.
Yet to win beyond 1m1f, though has placed at around this trip. Better than her dismal last run suggests (didn't stay the 1m4f trip) though her previous effort over C&D was also uninspiring. Others more persuasive.
Only Flat win came over 1m2f at Salisbury (good to firm) last summer (5lb lower mark) but he has gone on to scored twice since over hurdles. Below par since returning to the Flat, however and others look more likely.
Forecasts
Capton (10/3), Casement (10/3), Sparte Quercus (7/2), Fast And Hot (8/1), Regicide (10/1), Fair Power (11/1), Zzoro (16/1), So Celebre (16/1), Zamperini (25/1), Inke (50/1)
Sparte Quercus scored emphatically at Doncaster last week and boasts obviously claims under a 6lb penalty here, considering he is due to go up 9lb in the future. That said - with the Roger Charlton yard going so well - it may be a big ask to lower the colours of the progressive CASEMENT who looks potentially well-treated on his handicap debut after a facile Ffos Las success last time out. The consistent Fast And Hot should also remain competitive, whilst there may be improvement in Regicide after a break.