Gained first handicap success in 1m½f Nottingham contest in April, and has run well to be second on both subsequent starts, most recently behind a well-ridden Escobar at York. Should give a good account in this lesser contest.
Dual winner (1m2f/1m) in 2016, but missed the following year and was well below form in two starts last season. Intriguing that connections are persevering, but he does have a fair bit to prove on balance, having been gelded.
Had been out of sorts prior to latest 1¼L third of 6 to Anythingtoday at York last time, when running on late after meeting trouble. On a good mark if he can build on that, but patchy record suggests a cautious approach.
Bit disappointing on return at Sandown, but is lightly raced and has looked a horse of some potential in the past. Beaten only by a smart performer on his sole start here, and probably worth another chance.
Dropped to an attractive enough mark but losing sequence extends back to October 2017. Best effort this year when runner-up at Chester last time, although demoted for interference, and claims if he can build on that.
Ran well when second at York in May, but has struggled in high-end handicaps the last twice, finishing 8¾L tenth of 17 to Kelly's Dino in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock last time. More required to defy his current mark.
Lightly-raced Camelot gelding who got the better of Ventura Knight by ½L in a C&D handicap last time. 4lb higher now, though should still have better to come, and shortlisted.
Notched three wins in a row for Roger Varian in spring 2017, and much his best effort for new connections when fifth to Archie Perkins at York last time. Reasons to think he should build on that, and not ruled out.
Forecasts
Herculean (13/8), Caradoc (10/3), Rise Hall (7/2), Society Red (9/1), Great Order (10/1), Dark Red (14/1), Shargiah (20/1), Maifalki (28/1)
HERCULEAN looked s superstar on his debut, and it's perhaps not surprising that he's taken time to fulfil that early promise. He's on an attractive mark if able to put a disappointing return behind him. Caradoc and Rise Hall are others to view positively, and the can fight it out if the selection doesn't come up to scratch.