David Lucas, Wales Leading Independent Bookmaker Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Seven-time winner in France; 0-5 for Tom Dascombe but his second at Newbury (1m2f, good to soft) in September was an eyebrow-raiser, looking all over the winner before being claimed late; considered on this stable debut/reappearance.

1-12 on turf; returned to form when second at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft) in September then went back-to-back at Kempton (1m3f, AW) on next two starts; slowly run series final didn't work out next time; not discounted on this comeback.

Lightly raced 4yo; frequently up against subsequently much higher-rated rivals when in the frame first four starts then justified short odds when comfortably making all in Windsor novice (good to firm) upped to this trip in June; didn't look entirely straightforward that day so subsequent gelding operation may have sharpened his pencil and he's of obvious interest on this reappearance/handicap debut.

1m heavy-ground maiden winner for Paddy Twomey in Ireland; suffered heavy defeat on stable debut in Doncaster's Spring Mile in March but offered something to work on when fifth of eight in Haydock handicap (about 1m2f, good to firm) last month; unexposed after just six starts.

Bright start as 2yo in 2024 but then trailed the field in a Group 3 that October and, following an 80,000gns sale, has raced only twice for this yard, beaten 7l in one start last year and again on his comeback at Newbury 33 days ago; encouraging he's now putting a couple of runs together, though, so well worth a market check; hood added.