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Off time: 18:46 | Winning time: 2m 37.09s

(5)

Mushirif¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 76| BF

5/2

Appears to be getting better with experience, failing by a whisker upped to this trip on recent handicap debut at Wolverhampton. Nudged up just 1 lb and obvious chance of going one better here.

Form: 4-542

(6)

Skytree²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 74| D

3/1

Had the run of the race when opening her account in 1½m Thirsk novice in May. Not disgraced when third of 4 on subsequent handicap bow at Lingfield, but this demands a step forward.

Form: 43-613

(1)

Nellie Moon^h²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: R Kingscote| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 74| CD

11/2

AW winner who left poor turf debut display well behind when scoring over this C&D on penultimate start. Too free at Newmarket next time and, eased 2 lb as a result, she's not one to write off.

Form: 412714

(3)

Mickydee^p1⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: R Hannon| OR: 72| D

7/1

Belatedly off the mark in a soft-ground Lingfield handicap (11.6f) in June. Back on track following a couple of low-key efforts when runner-up at Kempton on Friday and now tried in cheekpieces.

Form: 351792

(2)

Night Moment¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 70

17/2

Successful twice over 7f at 2 yrs and proved that this new trip is within range when third in a 6-runner Leicester handicap earlier this month. 1 lb lower now and should make his presence felt.

Form: 585233

(4)

Saratoga Gold¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: C Hills| OR: 68

9/2

Lingfield nursery (1¼m, AW) winner last year and though yet to add to his tally in 2021, he hasn't shaped badly in handicaps at Sandown and Salisbury the last twice. Possibilities now upped in trip.

Form: 416-666

Forecasts

Mushirif (5/2), Skytree (3/1), Saratoga Gold (9/2), Nellie Moon (11/2), Mickydee (7/1), Night Moment (17/2)

All six of these are in with a shout. MUSHIRIF went down narrowly on his recent handicap bow at Wolverhampton and, with the possibility of better to come from Roger Varian's charge at this trip, he shades preference ahead of Saratoga Gold. The latter may well benefit from this stiffer test and the booking of Ryan Moore adds to his appeal. Night Moment is third choice.