Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Blue Ribbon Handicap (Div I)

Mostly leads; has done his winning over 7f on AW and turf (good to firm and good) but little in it as to whether he's better at that trip or 6f; drops in grade but this could be another step too far off current mark.

Won this last year but rather trod water later until a visor replaced cheekpieces back on turf last week, scoring by wide margins at Wetherby and Brighton (6f); left Michael Keady for 20,000gns since; can't be ruled out but the weights task is heavier now, 7lb higher than last time.

Made all for both 6f wins on turf (good and good to firm); still 5lb higher than the latest of them last July and was said to have moved poorly when tailed off on recent Leicester comeback; best watched.

All three wins over 7f and 1m but he showed no lack of early speed in his first 6f handicap, on Kempton AW 19 days ago, when he didn't give an inch in a tight finish; looks worth persevering with at this trip and has a good run in him.

Flourished over 6f on AW for former trainer when blinkers were first fitted, beating Northcliff in cosy fashion at Newcastle in January; not so effective over 5f at Newmarket on yard debut in April and although the return to 6f will suit he looks on a highish mark now.