Blackwell Handicap (Div 1)

Dual course winner over a mile back in 2014, comes here having hit the target at Musselburgh (7f, good to firm; 8-1) a week in stronger company and not badly treated off revised mark compared to old form.

Landed Redcar 7f novice stakes on just second run for Roger Varian last term but purchased for 27,000gns in November after finishing third on final start at Thirsk. Run well enough in two handicaps recently for this handler and should be more ahead.

Profitable performer on the AW over 6f, though strike rate on turf is nowhere near as good (2-30). Ran well at Thirsk (6f, good; 16-1) for a long way last time and competes here from 2lb lower mark. Place claims possibly.

Agonisingly touched off on reappearance at Nottingham (1m1½f, good to firm) but flopped since at Beverley. Not the most reliable conveyance, but will have a chance if in the mood and won four times in 2018.

Dead-heated at Hamilton (6f, good to firm) in June last year for second career success. Matched that form when neck-second behind Abushamah at Beverley (7½f, good) recently and worth considering despite inching up 2lb in defeat.

Tends to reserve his best form for Ayr and a softer surface, where he has been successful four times, including on final two starts last season. Held in both starts this term at Doncaster and Wetherby, cheekpieces are tried for the first time now.

Has proved difficult to win with (2-27) but got his head in front at Newcastle on the AW last month in 6f low-trade affair. 5lb higher back on turf and not the most obvious for the follow-up.

Won two French claimers on final two starts for previous yard back in September 2018 but trailed home last of 10 at Redcar (6f, good to firm; 10-1) on debut for these connections recently. Hood sported there is retained.

Last win came back in October 2017 and, despite falling to a very low mark, couldn't rise a challenge when dropping into this class at Musselburgh (7f, good to firm) this month. Gets another 3lb relief now.

All three career wins (3-28) have come at 7f or just beyond, most recently at Beverley in July last year on good to soft going. Easily fended off in both starts this season, however.

Latest win at Ayr last summer over 6f on soft-ground (rated 60). Had been toiling prior to improved showing at Musselburgh (7f, good; 16-1) 17 days ago when second of eight in this grade. Must replicate that, with mark unchanged.

Was a 30-race maiden prior to wining at Musselburgh (7f, good to firm; 6-1) on reappearance this month. Followed up back there seven days ago with a bit more authority and now must cope with 8lb rise. In good heart, albeit this is a grade higher.