Harris & Bailey Builders Merchants 'Confined' Apprentice Handicap

Back to form over her past couple of starts, she is now 3lb below her best official mark with first-time cheekpieces adding an extra angle; she handles today's trip and going and is a genuine threat if the recent revival continues.

Half a length adrift last time out on today's official mark, he is suited by 6f on a sound surface and the trainer's recent numbers are strong; he rates as the one to beat on our figures and looks ready to go close.

Showed form over this course and trip last time out, though that was nearly six months ago; the combination of tongue-tie and cheekpieces both going on for the first time gives her connections something to work with, but she is likely to need the run.

Raced too aggressively from the front last time, she had little left at the finish — that run can be marked up; effective at five to six furlongs on soft and the all-weather, she gets a first-time tongue-tie that may help her settle, and could outrun a cautious assessment if ridden more patiently.

Recent starts have trended downward and last time on turf was below expectations, but first-time cheekpieces could help at a trip he handles on today's going; on his best form he is capable of better and the headgear is worth a second look.