Highclere Castle Gin Handicap

Back-to-back winner of 6f handicaps for Hugo Palmer last summer but ended 2025 on a low-key note and little encouragement to glean from his 3 starts for new yard this season.

Struggling for form in higher-grade handicaps on first 2 starts this year before a step back in the right direction when third at Newmarket in May. Failed to settle when below form last time and has claims if bouncing back.

A C&D winner whose losing run stretches back to July 2024 but his good runs outweigh the bad this season. Is now 5 Ib below last winning mark and can give another good account.

Lightly raced for Richard Hannon last season (reportedly bled final start) and proved a hard ride starting out for new yard/after 7 months (also hooded) when eighth of 9 in handicap at Leicester (6f) in April. Has questions to answer now.

Doubled his career tally at Newmarket last summer prior to a 10-month absence. 33/1, travelled better than most when fifth of 10 in handicap at Southwell (7f) just 4 days ago. Drops back to 6f on return to turf.

Had a very productive 2025, winning 5 times over 6f, including at this course. Possibly found race coming too soon when sixth at Salisbury (6f, heavy, 10/3) 30 days ago. Has been dropped a further 3 Ib in the weights and is too well handicapped to ignore.

Dual 5f nursery winner for Archie Watson but has so far fared as if still finding his feet in 3 starts for new yard this season.

Justified cramped odds in a Wolverhampton maiden in March. In first-time blinkers, bounced back to best from a career-low mark when third in handicap back at that venue (6f, 10/1) 23 days ago. Not taken lightly with the headgear retained and racing from the same mark.

Nursery winner at Nottingham last year and has gradually worked his way back to form this season, producing a career-best effort to score in a 9-runner handicap at Doncaster (6f, firm) 13 days ago. That race has already produced 2 winners and he has to be taken seriously in follow up bid.

Won twice last year for George Scott but has been below par since finishing third on Bath reappearance in April on first start for this yard.

Standout effort when 6 lengths second in maiden at Kempton (6f) in May under a front-running ride. Hasn't gone on since sent handicapping and is best watched on first start for this yard having left Jack Channon.

Successful 3 times in 2025 but has yet to scale the same heights so far this season. 18/1, creditable third of 12 in handicap over C&D (firm) 16 days ago, faring best of those ridden prominently. Has the cheekpieces refitted and now needs to back up latest effort.