Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Sole run on good to firm when runner-up in 2022 in France; registered a hat-trick last spring, the final leg of which was in this race (good) on his only visit to Ascot; 2lb lower today, as his fortunes went on the slide in the autumn and he was well beaten at Epsom on recent return; mixed messages.

Won off a 4lb higher mark at Thirsk (1m4f, good) in September 2023 but comfortably held in his only four subsequent starts; off for 11 months.

Nine races, the clear best efforts being his four runs on good to firm and that includes his close third of nine over C&D last August; readily excused his last two starts last season, in the mud; one to consider seriously.

Ex-Karl Burke; first Flat run for new yard was a good second at Southwell (1m4f, AW) in February and he didn't have the run of the race at Kempton 11 days later when cheekpieces were added; they are absent today and he's been gelded; won on good to firm as 2yo but needs a career best today.

Three races for Aidan O'Brien, showing best form on debut (1m, heavy; scored impressively); sold for 32,000gns in October and gelded; hung right throughout on first run for new yard but staying-on third of nine at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in second-time cheekpieces was a step back in the right direction; needs to build on that but 1m4f now looks worth a go.