Solar Xpress Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Marked improvement through three-race 2yo career over 1m/1m2f on soft/good; could hardly have scored more easily when 1-7 on final start in that campaign, which he did not live up to when 5-4 favourite with cheekpieces back over Newmarket's 1m2f (good to firm) in handicap on reappearance but his trainer has a major rethink with today's trip; can't be ruled out.

Showed staying potential with a 1m win on heavy ground in three-runner maiden at Goodwood last September, easily his best of three 2yo races; sent handicapping over 1m4f here (good to firm) on reappearance and kept on galloping for a good second of seven, so it looks like he will stay this trip; considered with an unchanged mark.

Improved in his three AW races, runner-up on last two occasions to short-priced Charlie Appleby-trained favourites over 1m and 1m4f; made most last time, keeping on strongly, and his dam was a 2m2f Cesarewitch winner, so this further step up in trip will surely suit him on handicap/turf debut.

Two wins and two seconds this season in his four small-field handicaps; 4-9 when upped to 1m6f at Redcar on latest, well on top; raised 3lb but this should also be a far more competitive race.

Made all in two small AW fields and ran creditably in 1m2f turf handicaps this season when pipped here and third of four at Salisbury; should stay beyond 1m2f but this is an extra 4f; 7lb claimer is recruited.