HKJC World Pool Handicap

Ex-French gelding who won four times there, the last two coming over 8.5f (AW) and 1m1f (good) at Chantilly last spring; changed hands for 75,000euros in November; 80-1 when 19th of 24 at Newbury (1m, good) in April on his British debut and he's probably one for further down the line.

Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.

Unraced on ground softer than good; Chester maiden (7.5f) winner who made all on Newmarket's July course last August; had been gelded when successfully repeating those tactics on his comeback at Newmarket (also 1m) in April but below that form back there at the Guineas meeting the following month; not dismissed, with Oisin Murphy sticking with him.

Soft-ground specialist who landed a fifth success when scoring at Ayr (1m) in September; yet to get going in three starts this year but he's edging down the weights and the booking of Colin Keane catches the eye; requires monitoring in the market with every drop of rain in his favour.

7yo who was 6lb lower when landing this race (good to soft) last season; this year's running is more competitive but his success in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month was close to a career best and he had a possible excuse when failing to back that up at York; can't be ruled out.