Bend It Like Bishops Handicap

Won his first two starts for this yard last season to complete a hat-trick, but the handicapper has since had his measure. Now 1lb below that last of those wins, he can go well although given that both turf successes were on good, forecast conditions may not be absolutely ideal for him.

Yet to win beyond 1m2f, but he does get this trip and has gone close over it on more than one occasion. However, yet to make the frame on turf, where two of his three runs (including last time out) have ended in hefty defeats. Has a bit to prove.

Has been sent off at 11-8 favourite and 15-8 in his two handicaps so far and finished within 2L of the winner on both occasions. Trip and ground are absolutely fine for him and he is certainly not beyond improvement, which is good because he looks in need of a bit of that to be breaking his duck today.

Well placed to win five of her 13 starts so far, the latest being at Lingfield (1m3½f, good to firm) from a mark of 78 two starts ago. Well held in better company last time from today's mark, but this is not as strong a contest and she can't be ruled out.

Sole success came in a Lingfield seller (1m4f, AW) in December, but he has shown that he is capable of being competitive from around this sort of mark in handicaps and once again has place claims here.