Havana Grey Standing At Whitsbury Manor Handicap

Forced to switch and given too much to do at Newbury last time, so the two-length defeat flatters the task he faced; all his form comes on a sound surface, he acts at six furlongs, and the current mark looks generous.

Won at Yarmouth last time, showing plenty of tenacity to hold on by a head; first-time tongue-tie is added here, the trainer is in fine form, and while the mark has moved up 6lb, there could be more to come from him.

Given an extremely rough passage at Windsor last time on a trip shorter than ideal, the heavy defeat can be set aside; seven furlongs suits him better and he handles any ground, though the mark he carries may test him at this level.

Narrowly out-battled at Goodwood last time on a mark 1lb below today's, so the form is in the right place; first-time cheekpieces today add interest, and he handles the fast ground at five to six furlongs.

Well below par on his handicap debut at Windsor most recently, but his two-year-old form suggested rather more; effective at six furlongs on this going, he is in the hands of a strong operator at this venue and could leave that effort well behind.