PJ Staffing Group Apprentice Handicap

Merely sixth at Newcastle (7f, AW) last Saturday but turf may be preferable nowadays and he beat 12 rivals to win at Newmarket (7f, good) last month; second of 21 over this C&D (good) in May; respected back on grass.

Won at Chester (5.5f, soft) three weeks ago; remains on a good mark and ran well when second at Haydock (7f, good) in August, but Chester brings out the best in him and he may be vulnerable on his first visit here.

Inconsistent and has failed to shine on last two starts but may have been unsuited by soft ground then Tapeta; runner-up at Carlisle (7f, good to firm) in August then fifth of 15 at Thirsk (7f, good) where he was denied a clear run, and it will be no surprise if he bounces back with a big effort.

Won soft-ground 2yo novice last October and close second at Catterick (7f, good to soft) this July; below-par subsequent run was AW debut; however, his best form has come on slow turf and he may not have that today.

Good start to career in February/March but he hasn't been able to fulfil that promise; looked beaten when hampered at Ascot last month (brought down shortly after); others are preferred.