Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap

Much improved on final qualifying run, on Southwell Tapeta (1m) in November when, despite getting hampered early, he kept persevering into a close third behind a subsequent winner; takes big step up in trip on handicap debut but has some useful stayers close up in pedigree; a likely type.

Always behind on debut; pedigree on the dam's side points to her being suited by shorter trips than 1m3f but she kept on quite promisingly over that distance at Kempton in January; creditable show at about 1m1f here since and this extra stamina test can be a plus on handicap debut for top yard.

Best effort by some way was a front-running second of four at Ayr (1m, heavy) in October but he dropped right out under similar conditions later that month; gelded since; two of dam's siblings won at 1m4f but some guesswork needed on AW/handicap debut after break; check the betting.

Some promise as 2yo despite facing tough tasks, but he didn't achieve a lot on his handicap debut here (about 1m; favourite) two weeks ago and his pedigree raises stamina questions; has something to prove.

Ran at up to 1m on turf as 2yo, doing best when fifth of eight, losing second close home, at Bath in September on final start (first-time cheekpieces, retained); has an excellent staying pedigree and this trip, if not further, should suit better now handicapping; ought to improve.