Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Likeable hold-up performer who has run crackers in top handicaps over 1m6f on last two starts, fourth of 22 in the Ebor at York (good to firm) before third of 14 to The Reverend (Dramatic Star second) in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock (good); all ground seems to come alike; each-way claims again.

Successful over 1m2f in Bahrain at the start of this year but his last win in Britain came in the 2022 Cambridgeshire; saw out 1m4f well enough when a close third at Goodwood four weeks ago, albeit in a steadily run race; might prove vulnerable for win purposes again.

Very lightly raced 5yo who returned from an absence of nearly two years to readily make a winning handicap debut at Thirsk (1m4f, good) in April; not seen again until a fine seventh of 22 in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to firm) four weeks ago, no extra only late on having been on the pace throughout; slightly shorter trip now a possible help; going softer than good would be an unknown but still much respected.

Won a good pot at the Newmarket July meeting (1m6f, good to firm) but has struggled in the Ebor and Old Borough Cup since.

Held up; hat-trick at York, Newmarket and Chepstow this summer on first three attempts at 1m4f, the last two legs on good to soft; improved for a further step up in trip when finishing strongly for second in the Mallard at Doncaster (extended 1m6f, good to soft) last Friday; another 3lb higher here but this thriving sort is still feared.