Dale Hall And Hickman Associates Handicap

Lightly raced since scoring at Windsor in May 2024 and was unable to build on promising Newmarket return last August. Plenty to prove on first start for new yard following 9-month absence. Visored for first time.

Much improved on second handicap start when winning 17-runner contest at Nottingham (5f) in April. Below that level in both starts since but was entitled to need last month's Catterick stable debut and didn't get the clearest of runs. Not discounted.

C&D maiden winner on stable debut last summer. However, ended the season out of form and little encouragement thus far this term. Now tried in blinkers.

Made his second start for this stable (formerly trained by David Loughnane) a winning one when landing 11-runner handicap at Ripon (6f) in July. Ran respectably, off 8 lb higher, at Newmarket since and ought to make his presence felt again.

Not scored for some time and was hampered (not for the first time) by a slow start when seventh at Chester 45 days ago, nearest finish. Tongue strap back on. Nicely treated if able to break on terms.

All the better for reappearance when landing soft-ground handicap at Pontefract (5f) in April and not seen to best effect more recently, forced to make his effort on the far wing when fourth of 6 in handicap at Musselburgh (5f, good to firm, 7/2) 14 days ago. Likely player.

Got back on track, after a breathing operation, when third at Nottingham (6f) in July. Ran creditably over this trip at Beverley since but needs more to take a hand here. Visor on first time.

Enthusiastic type who returned to winning ways at Nottingham (5f) in June and has remained in good heart since, latest when creditable second of 14 in handicap (12/1) at Southwell (6f) 23 days ago. One for the shortlist.

Placed on each start in novice/maiden company but no impact in handicaps for Dylan Cunha and finished only ninth of 10 at Thirsk (6f, good) on debut for this yard 32 days ago. Cheekpieces on first time.

Tumbled down the weights and took full advantage with narrow victory in 5-runner handicap at Nottingham (5f, firm) 36 days ago. This is tougher but he remains feasibly treated.

Just respectable efforts at best since joining this yard and finished well beaten in a weaker contest at Windsor last month. 1 lb out of the handicap. Readily opposed.