Tom Farrell Memorial Handicap

Yet to score in either code, Nelson Gate is a Flat returnee in first-time blinkers over a trip that suits on a surface he handles; his latest hurdles run found him struggling for any impact, but the mark looks workable and the headgear switch may sharpen his response.

Form has deteriorated since a spring success, and a well-beaten latest run at Wolverhampton offered no excuse, with the tendency to pull hard a persistent concern; first-time cheekpieces are fitted here, but he needs to settle on a surface he handles at a trip that suits.

Consistent performer who landed a race at Lingfield two runs back off a 2lb lower mark, then ran to his level when second last time on the same official rating he faces today; first-time cheekpieces add a fresh angle over a trip that suits on any surface.

First-time cheekpieces and a return to the Flat — his preferred code — offer some encouragement, but at 16f today's trip is much further than his proven best around ten furlongs, and the distance found him out in hurdles last time; he has had his problems in the past and the trainer is in a cold spell, but a competitive mark keeps him in the picture.

Longstanding maiden on the Flat, though he showed renewed purpose in hurdles company recently, finishing third over a shorter trip despite too much to ask of him from the rear; handles this surface and the distance is within range, making him a threat if that energy can be channelled on the Flat.