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Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 3m 7.93s

(6)

Billy No Mates³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods| OR: 83

6/1

Twice a winner last year but arguably ran the best race of his career so far when 1l fourth in 1m4f York handicap in June. Shaped as if the longer trip should prove to be no issue and could improve at this distance. Shortlisted.

Form: 1616-54

(3)

Buriram²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: S De Sousa| T: R M Beckett| OR: 83

7/2

Easy winner at Carlisle on penultimate start but flopped when upped to 1m4f at Salisbury last time out. Has a bit to prove off the back of that effort but is the first choice for the owner's retained jockey.

Form: 535-216

(2)

Calculation^v²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 78

11/10

Regally bred and looks to be all about stamina (out of an Ascot Gold Cup winner). Stayed on strongly to win 1m6f handicap at Doncaster last time out. Up 9lb but typical improver with racing and age for this yard. Leading chance.

Form: 39-941

(5)

Mondain⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 77| BF

11/2

Couldn't make it a hat-trick of wins on turf when third of four in muddling race at Salisbury (1m6f, firm) six days ago. Jumped the path that day and needs to iron out his quirks but likely to provide sternest opposition.

Form: 6-33113

(1)

Fox Fearless^v1⁴⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke| OR: 73

33/1

Showed promise for Ralph Beckett last year but has been out of sorts for new yard in three starts, including when 17L seventh at Nottingham (1m6f, good) last time. Plenty to prove now and is owner's second string.

Form: 622-357

(4)

Tidal Point^p¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: R Ffrench| T: Steph Hollinshead| OR: 73

12/1

0-6 in his racing career to date and ran with credit when second here on his penultimate start before disappointing last over C&D. Limitations are looking to be exposed now and others make more appeal.

Form: 653327

Forecasts

Calculation (11/10), Buriram (7/2), Mondain (11/2), Billy No Mates (6/1), Tidal Point (12/1), Fox Fearless (33/1)

A race in which it is likely to unearth a potential smart staying handicapper for the second half of the season, preference is for CALCULATION who relished the test of stamina when getting his act together at Doncaster last time and could work out to be a Cesarewitch-type horse towards the end of the season if he continues his expected improvement. Mondain has been largely successful since switching to turf and will find this easier 1m6f more up his street and remains unexposed on grass, while Billy No Mates shaped as if the stamina test should be no issue on the back of his respectful York run last time.