Ran on well to nick a similar race at Lingfield (1m) last time, for which he has gone up just 2lb. Allowed to continue in this grade, he has course-winning form and looks a big player again.
CV shows a gradual upward curve and he has run well over C&D three times in succession, only just being held last time. 2lb rise won't help, but keeps pulling out a bit more, so has to be taken very seriously.
Runner-up in a Carlisle handicap (6f, heavy, first-time tongue-tie), when 1lb higher in September. Not as good when last seen at Wolverhampton a month later. Can be competitive from this mark if ready after a break and handling this track.
Had shown some ability for Harry Dunlop without threatening to win, but took a step in the right direction in cheekpieces at Lingfield on his stable debut in January. Same mark here, and needs to back that up but can't now rule out from inside draw.
Has not revealed too much in three 7f starts here, but enough to suggest there are races to be won. Step up in trip for handicap debut looks positive, as is the jockey booking, so may see a better effort.
Improving gelding if his last run is anything to go by, when 1L second at Lingfield, on being stepped up to this trip. Up 2lb for that, but well drawn here and should be very competitive.
Was improving gradually when with Jessie Harrington, but returned from a break with a backward step on stable debut at Lingfield in January. Drops 3lb, but looks best watched this time.
Held in all three maiden/novice starts, two of them over C&D. Mark looks stiff on what we have seen, but in good hands and visored for the first time, so check the market for confidence in an improved effort.
Heading back in the right direction on his last two starts, not least when 1½L fourth at Southwell (1m, first-time cheekpieces) last time. Handles Polytrack and on a feasible mark, so not ruled out.
Non-Runners
11
(10)
Iris's Spirit35
Weight: 8-3| Age: 3
T: A W Carroll J: F Norton
NR
Forecasts
Lee Roy (11/4), Mayfair Spirit (7/2), Dancing Jo (9/2), Bug Boy (6/1), Shug (7/1), Percy Alexander (7/1), Another Approach (16/1), Bonneville (20/1), Iris's Spirit (20/1), Chutzpah (66/1), Breezing (100/1)
The fact that he can continue in this grade is a positive with regards to DANCING JO, who gets the vote to follow up his last-time win from Lee Roy and Percy Alexander. Bonneville is respected, as are Bug Boy, Shug and Another Approach.