Read Meg Nicholl's Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap

Down the field in three qualifying runs during the summer but he returned after a gelding operation with a dominant display on nursery debut at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) on Monday; that was in a small field but he landed the odds with emphatic win; big player again under a penalty.

11-race maiden; finished runner-up five times including a close call at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) on his penultimate run but he faded into third of four there last time; bit to prove again after that and he will need to settle on this step back up in trip.

Unexposed filly who found improvement when third of 14 under prominent tactics in a C&D novice (9-1) last month; should have more to offer now switched to handicapping and she's bred to be much better than this opening mark; interesting contender.

Runner-up on nursery debut at Redcar (6f, good to soft) in September but he's taken two backward steps over 7f since; still early days but he's been a bit up and down so far and has something to prove on AW debut; hood worn last time is removed.

0-7 and disappointing here last time but he made a bold bid when runner-up at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) on penultimate start; interesting on that form and this drop back in trip could suit; cheekpieces added.