Congratulations Dan & Grace Handicap

Ran with excuses at Chester most recently and left with something to prove, though the drop back in trip is in his favour and first-time hood may sharpen him up; winless in his last six, he needs to find more on our figures.

Finished runner-up earlier in recent starts and has the trip and going in his favour, but pulled too hard at Nottingham last time on his first outing after a breathing operation and paid the price; the tongue-tie today should help and he could improve.

Third twice and second once in recent starts, Happy Banner posted a solid effort at Salisbury last time, going under by just a length off this same mark; suited by this trip on a sound surface, the tongue-tie is new but he has the profile to feature again.

Successful in this race 12 months ago and placed at Nottingham prior to a below-par run at Wetherby most recently; first-time blinkers are applied today and this trip on a sound surface is right in his wheelhouse, though a response to that effort is needed.

Fourth on her penultimate start suggested some ability, though she was found wanting for pace at Salisbury most recently, going under by over 7l; the cheekpieces are new today, she acts on any surface, and the trip suits — perhaps there is a better showing here.