Keep Your Raceday Positive Handicap Stakes

Merrimack arrives in sharp nick after winning seven days ago, and has run over today's trip and going — third two starts back and a runner-up three starts back add further substance to his claims; the main risk is whether 138 lb blunts his momentum.

Brave Nation arrives here in decent nick on a 16-day turnaround, third last time out and with experience of today's trip and conditions; winless in his last five starts, though our rating of 84 marks him as the one to beat from stall 2 carrying 137 lb.

Winless in his last five starts, Our Planet nonetheless rates above his official mark and has experience of both today's trip and going — the main concern is that his recent finishes offer little reason for confidence.

Thornaby Pearl ranks bottom of the field on our figures and his speed rating of 63 offers little encouragement, making him hard to fancy despite an official mark of 67; that said, he boasts three wins in his last six starts, including back-to-back victories, and returns just eight days later in good heart.

Lion's House arrives 26 days fresh, has experience of today's trip and going, and our rating of 75 puts him ahead of his official mark — a second **five** starts back hints at the ability to threaten here; the risk is he's winless in his last six starts.