Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Won 2m5f Queen Alexandra here in 2023 (third in it last year, again on good to firm) and 2m Curragh Group 3 last November; also effective in top, big-field handicaps but put up a very lacklustre display in the Chester Cup on latest outing, admittedly from a wide draw; competitive if back on song with tongue tied first time.

Third in the 1m4f King Edward VII at this meeting two years ago was the pick of his five runs in Group contests; handicaps on last three outings, racing a bit freely when always-prominent fourth of ten at Newmarket (good to firm) last time on step up to 1m6f but he also stuck to his task very well to give hope for 2m+; 7lb claimer is recruited.

Went close in this race (good to firm) last term off 2lb lower; has since come up short with higher marks and higher grades; perhaps forgiven latest start, in the Chester Cup, and a return to form is not ruled out.

Has seen far more action over hurdles and fences (useful at up to 2m4f) but also won under Flat rules in a Dundalk maiden (10.5f, AW) in January and gamely from the front in a conditions event at Killarney (1m6f, good) last month; put firmly in his place at 33-1 in a 1m4f Listed race last time and the handicapper hasn't obviously taken any chances with this opening Flat mark, but going further than 1m6f should suit him.

Handicap hat-trick last summer (final leg at Glorious Goodwood) and he ran well in Listed event on return; not in the best of form since, though, and latest start again failed to prove he stays 2m; headgear enlisted.