Schweppes Cherry Pepper Handicap

Course form figures read 131, making the most of a sharp drop in class when scoring with a fair degree of authority over C&D (good; from 2lb lower) in April 2025; absent since toiling at Chester 354 days ago, which raises concerns; market helpful in assessing chance.

Hit hard by the handicapper after winning at Haydock (1m, good to firm) last May; ran well fresh when third at Kempton (1m, Class 4) in October but held in better quality races since, including at Newmarket 18 days ago; moves beyond a mile for the first time.

Justified favouritism at Bath (1m, firm) on final start for Stuart Williams; sold for 35,000gns since, and begins life for new connections from a 5lb higher mark; has undertaken most of his racing over 7f-1m but does stay (runner-up over 1m2f last June); claims, even if career-best is required.

Won once in four for Ralph Beckett, easily at short odds at Windsor (1m, novice; good) last September; underwhelming thereafter at Newcastle (1m) and Ripon (1m2f), and moved on for a knockdown 14,000gns; low mileage but best watched on stable debut (second run in a handicap).

Won by 15l at Salisbury (1m2f, heavy; 5-2 fav; first run as a gelding) last September, and posted another solid effort at Newbury (1m2f, soft) next time; now 14lb above that winning mark and seemed to need recent Musselburgh comeback run/stable debut (31,000gns buy from Roger Teal).