Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Won off a 5lb lower mark on this card last year and effective over marathon trips on any ground, but Ascending may have reached a plateau and was well beaten in a Group 3 latest, suggesting the current mark is against it.

Consistent prior to a puzzling below-par York flop latest, Stressfree ticks the boxes on distance and going and rates a leading danger on our figures — the main risk is whether that York run left its mark.

Runners-up twice and a dual winner in recent starts, Paddy The Squire has course-distance-going form to draw on, but two disappointing efforts since those wins — including being outpaced and beaten over eight lengths at York — suggest the current mark may have caught up with him, and first-time cheekpieces plus a cold trainer compound the concern.

Consistent performer who won a Boodles Handicap at Newmarket last time off a 4lb lower mark, but now racing off a revised rating that raises the bar; acts on today's conditions and distance, though the higher weight and mark are legitimate questions.

Proven over course and distance, the first-time cheekpieces could sharpen this strong-staying type who acts on today's conditions, and the yard has a good record with similar profiles — though a disappointing latest run and an absence since leaves fitness the main query.