19:20 Wolverhampton Sat 7 December 2019

Returned to the AW for the first time in two years when scaling new heights in a tactical Class 2 handicap at Newcastle (1m4f), beating the reopposing Paths of Glory by ¾L; 4lb higher (2lb worse off).

6-17 on the AW (& fifth in the 2018 Northumberland Plate); very highly tried on turf during the summer months (including at Group 3 level) after beating the subsequent Old Newton Cup winner Kelly's Dino at Ayr (1m5f, good) in June.

Has improved beyond all recognition since the summer (rising almost 20lb in the handicap); lost his unbeaten AW record to Francis Xavier in a muddling affair at Newcastle (1m4f) 16 days ago; 2lb higher (2lb better off); can he extract his revenge?

Finished runner up to Jahbath in a 1m conditions race at Kempton (March) on his sole previous AW start; 3lb higher than when taking a similar contest at Leicester (1m4f, good to soft) in June; others make more appeal.

A likeable AW handicapper (1m4f-2m) who may have just about reached the ceiling of his abilities from a mark in the low 90's; was a gallant ¾L runner up to Reshoun at Kempton (2m) on his penultimate start.

A stalwart of 91 races (13 wins) who has amassed over £180,000 in prize money; sadly has struggled for form since the spring, finishing last of 14 (66-1) to the bang-in-form All Yours at Kempton (1m3f) 18 days ago; unlikely.

A four-time winner on turf, including in back-to-back renewals of a Cl 3 April handicap at Newbury (1m2f); 0-3 on the AW (does handle Tapeta) and has work to do with both Francis Xavier and Paths Of Glory on the basis of recent Newcastle form.

Placed in a competitive maiden here (1m1½f) in August but 3-3 on Polytrack at Kempton (1m3f-1m4f) since, rising from Cl 4 (78-rated) to Cl 2 (86-rated) handicaps; was always just holding the runner up Creationist and the third Good Tidings latest.