Manny Mercer Apprentice Handicap (Str)

Upped his game since sent handicapping, scoring twice at Kempton and finding further improvement when second of 10 at same course (8f, 10/3) 30 days ago. Soft ground is an unknown but he must enter calculations.

Four-time winner (at up to 8f) who posted career best when fine fourth in 7f listed race at this course in October. However, below that level twice since and others more appealing.

Just 1 lb above last winning mark and should be straighter for last month's respectable Kempton reappearance. Warrants respect.

Low-mileage 5-y-o who displayed useful form when winning 2 of his first 4 starts for Sir Michael Stoute prior to being pulled up at Sandown last May (went wrong after 3f). May have needed first run for new connections at Southwell in March but percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Won handicap at Glorious Goodwood in 2022 but never really fired in 4 starts last term and makes limited appeal on his return here.

Back to best when winning 14-runner handicap (17/2) at Chelmsford City (8f) 33 days ago, always holding on. Just 3 lb higher now and is one for the shortlist.

Bagged this prize (off 4 lb lower) first time up in 2022 and scored twice over this sort of trip last season. Would likely prefer a sounder surface, though.

Continued theme of race-by-race progress when successful on her seasonal return over C&D last July. Disappointed on 2 of her 3 starts thereafter but conditions will hold no fears and she remains with few miles on the clock.

Ended last season with a couple of heavy defeats but it was otherwise a productive 2023 campaign (scored 3 times including over this C&D). Should be straighter for recent Newbury return but is another who may find conditions against him.