Betfred City And Suburban Handicap

Won this off an identical mark last year when under the care of David Menuisier. Well beaten on Kempton reappearance/yard debut 15 days ago. The refitting of cheekpieces might help but he needs to leave that effort well behind.

Rapid improver switched to handicaps last year, completing a 5-timer (third and fourth legs over 1½m here) at Glorious Goodwood. Also excellent second in ultra-competitive 1¾m Melrose at York Ebor meeting. Yard won this race last year but this trip on the short side for her.

Back on track when runner-up on heavy ground over this trip at Newbury last October and had an excuse (trapped wide) when below form on AW final start. Good third over the extended 1m here at last year's Derby meeting.

Back to winning ways in 1¼m Sandown handicap last June. Unlucky not to finish closer (had to wait for gap) when fifth of 18 at Glorious Goodwood next time and something can't have been right at the Ebor meeting on final start. Type to bounce back on reappearance for yard going well. Has had wind op.

Useful sort who bagged Mallard Handicap at Doncaster in September 2021. Creditable third of 7 in 1½m Newmarket handicap last April but he hasn't been seen since then. Watching brief is the percentage call.

Reliable operator who ended 2022 in good form, winning in the mud here (1½m) before runner-up on final 3 starts (including C&D). Fourth in this race last year. Likely to be on the premises if fully tuned up.

Made a winning handicap debut/reappearance at Newmarket (1¼m) last April. Not seen again until the autumn, finishing second at Salisbury before well held in a valuable handicap back at Newmarket. Returns as an unexposed sort from a top yard. Has to be high on the shortlist.

Three wins 1½m wins last term, including here. Ended his campaign with a creditable fifth of 12 in a competitive race at Newcastle (12.5f) in September. Consistent type but might be best to look elsewhere this time over a trip shorter than ideal.