Has shown some useful form in handicaps and is a C&D winner although he can be a rather quirky sort who is often slowly away. Showed all his old traits (slow away, ran in snatches) when fourth at Wolverhampton in a handicap and may appreciate the drop in grade.
Shown some decent form in handicaps and won over a mile at Chelmsford off a mark of 71. Beaten off higher marks since and drops in grade although he was beaten over this trip last time out and stamina doubts remain as does the ability to build on that run.
Eight-time AW winner with four of those wins coming here. Won a seller at Wolverhampton over an extended mile in January and has run creditably in three handicaps since the last over C&D.
Both AW wins have come around this course although those victories were over shorter trips. Ran over C&D last time out in a handicap and was forced wide all the way but didn't look to last home and is dropped in grade now.
Based on handicap ratings, he has an enormous amount to find at the weights with the rest of the field. Still to win on the Flat after 26 attempts and looks to have a tough task even in this grade.
Forecasts
Black Dave (7/4), Gaelic Silver (11/4), Russian Reward (3/1), The Gay Cavalier (5/1), With Approval (25/1), Thrtypointstothree (100/1)
A relatively modest contest and BLACK DAVE may well be able to take advantage of the drop in grade having run some sound races in handicaps of late. Gaelic Silver has to be respected in this grade and around this track while The Gay Cavalier is also one to note dropped in grade although he can hamper his chance with a slow start. Russian Reward is another dropped in class although this trip may just test his doubtful stamina.
1. Black Dave
2. The Gay Cavalier
3. Gaelic Silver