Dandara EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Backward on debut when well beaten at Brighton 31 days ago after looking market fancied, High Calibre is bred to be most effective over further than today's 6f; sixth in our rankings, the question is whether he has progressed enough to trouble the leaders.

An unraced Study Of Man gelding whose dam performed well at 6f, Midgham Man is a half-brother to Be An Angel and has the right pedigree credentials for this trip; with a trainer capable of landing debuts and the market worth monitoring, he could make a bold introduction.

Interference at Newbury on debut 18 days ago — beaten 8 lengths in what was a stronger contest than today's — means the form book can be treated with some caution; a shorter trip should suit his speed pedigree, though he is lightly raced and fifth on our figures.

Stepped forward from debut to finish 4 lengths adrift in third in a novice at Lingfield 28 days ago, with that effort looking strong on ground and trip he handles; our highest-rated runner in the field, he is expected to go well and takes plenty of beating.

Third beaten 8¼ lengths on debut at Hamilton 19 days ago in a race where the form has been given a boost since; he showed he knew his job and should progress with that experience, and is effective at 6f on good to soft ground.