Halliwell Jones Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Solid as 2yo (three races, won debut) and clearcut winner in 13-runner handicap at Epsom (8.5f, good) last April; 9lb higher today but looked set for further progress; he has a mixed pedigree for stamina (by middle-distance sire out of 5f winner) and is drawn wide but has to be considered seriously.

Dual 1m2f winner on a sound surface early last summer but inconsistent since; first of four runs for new yard at Meydan this year was easily the best; drawn wide but has a good mark if back to form.

Usually thereabouts, including in AW campaign this year which culminated in a Lingfield 1m2f win five weeks ago; one concern is that he was below form last September on his only run at this track.

C&D winner (made most) on reappearance at this meeting last year and, from four return visits, he placed twice last July; ended the campaign with a career best to win at York (1m2f, good; came from midfield) in October, which sees him raised 6lb today but he has to be in serious calculations.

Turf winner in France as a juvenile but ran just twice last year; career is advancing again now for new yard, with one AW third followed by his short-head win at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft; came from towards rear) in March, so he needs a close look despite the absence of this season's hood.