William Hill Tapster Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 2m 38.12s

(3)

Candleford²²³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 109| D

6/4

Progressive at 3 and took another sizeable step forward when easily landing Duke of Edinburgh on Royal Ascot reappearance last summer. Didn't progress as may have been expected after but he's in top hands and is clearly very capable fresh.

Form: 180433-

(2)

First Ruler^p,t⁹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 106| BF| D

7/4

Useful performer who matched the pick of his British form when successful at Meydan in February. Upped in class and even better form when 1¾ lengths second of 14 to Passion And Glory in listed race (at Sakhir (11.9f, good) a month later.

Form: 135-312

(4)

Peripatetic²⁴⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 103| CD

10/3

Progressive sort won 3-runner C&D handicap before a very good ¾-length second of 8 to Eternal Pearl in Princess Royal Stakes at Newmarket in September, Sound effort back in trip on final 3-y-o outing and she's a definite contender on reappearance.

Form: 342124-

(1)

Rousay²²³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 102

17/2

Listed winner at Salisbury in August and just as good when second here the following month (both 1¼m). Stuck to her task when fourth on first go at this trip when last seen in October but has a little bit to find on the figures.

Form: 221274-

Forecasts

Candleford (6/4), First Ruler (7/4), Peripatetic (10/3), Rousay (17/2)

CANDLEFORD put up a smart performance when winning on last year's reappearance, and given he's just about the pick of the weights and sure to be well prepared for this, he's just about the most persuasive option. First Ruler is the only one of the quartet to have run in 2023 and he is feared most.