Alex Ashton Stag Party Apprentice Handicap

Runner-up in this class on the AW at Southwell latest, his second start following a breathing operation; fine on turf as well, so should be thereabouts.

Headstrong; has been suited by this trip on quick ground, a pure speed test, as he showed when winning Class 5 Yarmouth handicap last summer; hasn't been racing with much zip on the AW more recently, over 6f on last three starts, but good chance he bounces back under these conditions with cheekpieces replacing hood; drops into Class 6 handicap for first time.

Sole win gained in 6f Class 6 handicap here last summer; went close over this trip at Musselburgh on last week's reappearance; contender.

Seven-time winner who goes on all sorts of ground, but conceding race-fitness to most of these; unappealing.

Veteran, formerly pretty useful; tends to start slowly but was still good enough to win Class 5 handicap in December; blew the start and tried to challenge wide around the turn in steadily run 6f Class 5 AW Wolverhampton handicap latest; could be competitive again now from lower turf mark if not giving them too much of a start.