Won from a 4lb higher mark last season and was showing signs of a revival at Thirsk last time (6f, good to soft) in a first-time visor. That is left off today, but he goes on fast ground and this pilot has been on board for two of his three career wins. Should go very well.
Races over his optimum trip. Was beaten just over 1L over 5f (good to firm) here in May from 2lb higher, but his last three turf efforts leave a bit for him to prove today.
Both his wins have been at Southwell, but he can go well on turf as shown by his Doncaster (7f, good to firm) effort in April, when beaten just 1L from today's mark. Neither recent effort has been quite so encouraging, but he is dropped to a more realistic grade again now and can't be ruled out.
Improved for going handicapping last time when keeping on well to make the most of an initial mark of 62 at Doncaster (6f, soft) and win with a bit in hand. Up 6lb for that now (though the ninth that day was only just held next time) and with yard in good form he may be able to follow-up if handling these quicker conditions.
Won a couple of all weather races last year, though has not scored on turf since 2014. Now with his sixth different trainer and well beaten on his first start for current yard from 1lb higher last time, when sent off favourite. Had previously run 2L second at Brighton from the same mark so has claims if back to that level.
Placed in both starts for this yard, including from this mark at Ayr (7f, good to soft) last time. Trip not a problem, though has it to prove in these quicker conditions and needs to find some improvement.
Non-Runners
4
(6)
Indian Pursuit17
Weight: 9-6| Age: 4
T: J & S Quinn J: Cam Hardie
NR
Forecasts
Metisian (9/4), Buccaneers Vault (11/4), Yes You (3/1), Dark Forest (6/1), Indian Pursuit (8/1), Top of The Bank (10/1), Quiet Warrior (14/1)
Buccaneers Vault is on a handy mark again and should have a big say here, while Dark Forest and Quiet Warrior both have claims and should be thereabouts. However, METISIAN represents a yard in form and there looked like there may be sufficient in the locker when he won at Doncaster to suggest that he can defy a 6lb rise.