Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Pulled up in Saudi Arabia in February (heart issue) and soundly beaten on sole run since in handicap at Haydock last month; however, he may have needed that latest run and is 2lb lower than when winning a handicap at Killarney last August; followed up in 1m6f Group 3 in Germany; not ruled out.

Weakened when upped to 1m4f at Meydan in February last time, so stamina is a doubt; however, this lightly raced 4yo was progressive over 1m2f previously (good to firm/good to soft) and his brother Cross Counter won the 2m Melbourne Cup for his top connections; retains potential; interesting.

In rude health last summer, including when second off this mark in competitive handicap at York (2m, good to firm); won over hurdles in January but his form has been mixed since across both codes; below best back on Flat last time.

Progressive for Andrew Balding last year, winning two handicaps (1m4f/1m6f, AW/good); went over hurdles last month for his new yard and won a maiden at Ballinrobe three weeks ago; could go well now back on the Flat.

0-8, all in Group races, since winning 2yo Group 2 at the Curragh in September 2022; could be on a fair mark for this first handicap and there's some stamina in his pedigree, but it remains to be seen if he'll stay this new trip and others arrive with more pressing claims.