Aston Martin "Dash" Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Capable of smart form on turf and AW and he looked to have this race in safekeeping in 2023, only to be worn down close home; temperamental issues surfaced last summer, however, blowing the start in this race and on a couple of subsequent occasions; returned from five months off to win a Southwell Listed race in February and backed that up with a good third in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes five weeks ago; today's greater emphasis on speed is in his favour but he probably wouldn't want much rain.

Did well for this stable in 2024, showing bundles of pace and winning twice, notably in Beverley Listed event in August (5f, good to firm); creditable efforts at this meeting in the last two seasons, picked off late on by Dream Composer 12 months ago; 2lb higher this time around but his runs in Listed/Group races should have him primed; should have another big run in him.

Ex-Andrew Balding; inconsistent last year but smart on his day, notably when winning a 6f handicap at Newmarket's Guineas meeting; in good form in Bahrain this year, most recently showing plenty of pluck to win a local Grade 1 (5f, good) in March; returns to Britain with an inflated mark but he's drawn against the rail and has the pace to capitalise; significant rain would be a query.

Positives include his relatively low mileage and the fact that he produced his best performance over this C&D in April when cheekpieces were tried for the first time; on the downside, he's 7lb higher, he was well held at York last month and he would have more to prove if the going is slower than good.

Won this event 12 months ago, coming with a strong late run to collar Democracy Dilemma close home; didn't look totally at ease on the track despite winning and he's 9lb higher (and Joe Leavy's claim has evaporated since) this time around; reappearance second was up there with his best form and not ideally drawn at Chester latest, so a repeat win isn't out of the question.