Spotlight: Gelding operation after final 2yo start has worked a treat as he's 3-4 (all on turf) this season, the sole defeat excusable (repeatedly denied room); won over 7f in May; scored comfortably at Pontefract (6f) last Sunday and this improving 3yo holds leading claims under a 6lb penalty, assuming he's as effective back on AW (second attempt).

Spotlight: Gained sole win at maiden level but has shown clear signs that he's capable of winning a useful handicap and last few appearances suggest this belated drop back to 7f, combined with first-time headgear, may do the trick; sole AW effort, in Kempton race won by Notable Speech, is a strong piece of form; commands respect.

Spotlight: Lightly raced 4yo who showed very good novice form last June, winning at Kempton (sole AW attempt) on reappearance then third at Newmarket behind subsequent Group 1 scorer Ombudsman; comfortably held in handicap and Listed event afterwards (gelded since) but can't be written off; interesting seasonal debutant, with further progress still possible.

Spotlight: In good form this season, beating Zip to record a fourth Newcastle win then running well twice on turf; solid contender on 2025 form, albeit seems to have nothing in hand; beaten (finished fifth) off this mark in this contest 12 months ago.

Spotlight: Triple 7f winner on slow turf ground, most recently at Doncaster last September; didn't have ideal conditions last time; shaped better than bare result over an inadequate 6f here (sole AW attempt) in May and has some potential back in this sphere.

Spotlight: Useful sprinter who has enough to prove over this new trip on return from lengthy absence; however, looks an interesting contender back on AW, with form figures in this sphere reading 44111; landed the Gosforth Park Cup here three years ago and market confidence should be heeded.

Spotlight: Not entirely disgraced in the Royal Hunt Cup last week; has a better strike-rate on AW so the return to this sphere looks ideal and best form gives him a fighting chance; won off this mark on finals day here in 2024.

Spotlight: Finished fourth in a couple of Group races last year but has ended up with a seemingly difficult mark as a result; form dipped in France on final outing; the market may offer further guidance on handicap/seasonal debut.

Spotlight: Similar type to Native Warrior, with record 1-9, but has less going for him in terms of overall form; has failed to back up his AW Group 3 effort and performed below market expectations in Chester handicap most recently.

Spotlight: Record of 3-6 in handicaps on turf; two attempts on AW comprise a Kempton Listed success in December 2023 and creditable third (off 2lb lower) in this race last year; could go well, with Haydock (Group 3) reappearance under his belt.

Spotlight: The oldest contender and a familiar face, having taken part in this race for the last four years (form figures read 6529); beat all bar Eldrickjones over C&D last month but the return to this better grade presents a tougher task.

Spotlight: Out of sorts since returned to turf; best on AW and made the frame in notable handicaps at Wolverhampton/Newcastle in March/April; back on last winning mark to boot but arrives here on an 11-race losing sequence.

Spotlight: Useful for Eve Johnson Houghton but is 0-12 since an unbeaten 2yo campaign and showed inconsistent form in 2024; had further wind surgery since last run; still with same owners; the betting may prove best guide on reappearance.