Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap

6f win at Newbury last summer, his second start, before coming up short in strong company; had wind and gelding operations prior to his stable/seasonal/handicap debut at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) last month, a race where he pulled hard and was beaten a long way (wore a hood and a tongue-tie, both absent today); 5f might suit but he's not solid.

5f AW win last summer and also ran well in a sales race here at the Ebor meeting, looking stretched by the sixth furlong; gelded prior to his Thirsk reappearance (5f, good to firm) and he turned in an improved display, travelling strongly and finding plenty off the bridle; up 6lb but could well have more in the tank; connections had Vantheman finish second in this race last year.

Won twice over 5f as a 2yo (good and soft) and also performed with credit over C&D; 6lb higher than when scoring at Haydock on his only handicap run and this is more suitable than some of his subsequent assignments.

5f novice win as a 2yo before running with credit in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot; absent for ten months (gelded) prior to his reappearance at Newmarket last month, a race where he travelled strongly before tiring in the closing stages; dropping back to 5f should suit and this mark probably not beyond him; one to consider.

The form of his Southwell maiden success has been handsomely advertised by the runner-up (now BHA-rated 100); failed to concede a penalty to the 86-rated Carrados at Wolverhampton three weeks ago but still ran a fine race; likely he'll need to improve again to defy this mark on his turf and handicap debut but it wouldn't be a huge surprise.