Sri Lanka Paradise Island Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Former Group-level winner stepping back into handicap company; suited by today's trip and going, he shaped with some credit at Carlisle last time, though six lengths adrift and well short of his peak form.

Entitled to a better showing than his Epsom effort, where he dropped away tamely; now fitted with blinkers for the first time and carrying a mark a shade below his last successful level, he handles this trip and conditions and has it all to prove.

Landed a Ripon handicap by a length two starts back and handles any ground over this kind of trip; up 3lb and facing stiffer company, though his last run may have been compromised by pulling too hard, which tempers enthusiasm somewhat.

Fourth at Hamilton on his latest start, an improvement on earlier 2026 efforts, though seven lengths off the pace and on a mark that remains above what his current form has merited; at home over the trip and on this going.

Held his form with credit when fourth at Pontefract despite that run being over a shorter trip than ideal; stepping out to a more appropriate distance is a clear plus, and he travels well on a sound surface.