Coopers Marquees Apprentice Handicap Stakes

Master Richard has placed four times in his last five starts but remains winless, and while he has run over today's trip and going, that ninth last time out clouds his claims; the 142 lb burden from stall 13 does little to ease the task.

Inspired arrives on the back of a win last time out and has been consistently competitive in recent starts, with a second two starts back to go with that latest success; he has experience of today's distance and going, though 142 lb from stall 10 is no gimme for a gelding rated 80.

Ranked highest of the 19 runners on our rating and boasting distance and going experience, Lir Speciale is a genuine threat off an official mark of 84, returning fresh after 35 days; the risk is that he has been winless in his last six starts and must reverse a run of declining figures.

Alpha Capture arrives in fine nick, placed five times in his last six starts including second last time out, and has experience of both today's trip and going; the concern is whether he can convert that consistency into a win, with just the one victory in recent starts.

Rajapour won last time out and has run over today's trip and going, but he ranks 14th of 19 on our figures, with a speed rating well below the top end of this field, and 141 lb from stall 18 makes this a stiff ask.