Spotlight: Progressive for James Owen last year and he has hit new heights in 2026, winning at Goodwood and Newbury (both 6f on good ground) in May and running big races in major handicaps over C&D (Wokingham), Goodwood (Stewards' Cup) and York since; not so good in the Ayr Gold Cup last time but he's not the type to stay down for long.

Spotlight: Dual winner of the Group 3 Bengough over C&D at this meeting, including last year; it's generally been tough going for him in 2026 but he showed he's still capable off this mark on his day when fourth of 21 in the Portland at Doncaster (good) three weeks ago.

Spotlight: Has solid 7f handicap form, including third of 14 at last month's Doncaster St Leger meeting, but it's possible this slightly belated drop back to 6f could see this regular hard puller in an even better light; not dismissed.

Spotlight: Promising second of four on his debut at Leicester (7f, good to firm) in July and has won both 6f starts on AW since, looking a good prospect when easily defying a penalty at Newcastle last month; pitched in deep on handicap debut but very much the unknown quantity.

Spotlight: A prime example of the resurgence of the Roger Teal yard in recent months, following his narrow Newmarket win (6f, good) in August with a defeat of Another Abbot at Yarmouth (6f, good again) 15 days, pulling a long way clear of those in his group; respected up 3lb.

Spotlight: Started the season with a C&D win on good in May; also a good third over C&D (good to firm) in July; one of his slowish starts left him with too much ground to make up over 5f at the Shergar Cup here last time but he finished strongly and needs considering back at 6f.

Spotlight: Back from wind surgery to land a first win since his debut in 7f course handicap (good) four weeks ago; saw that out well but he's a strong traveller who should prove at least as effective back at 6f.

Spotlight: Two 6f wins on good to firm this year and back to best when 1l second of nine to reopposing Pilu at Yarmouth (6f, good); solid.

Spotlight: Can lead; won two big-field 7f handicaps in Ireland earlier in career and shone on AW for this yard over the winter, winning six times at 6f to 1m; plenty of creditable efforts in defeat on turf since, notably his close second of 23 in the Ayr Silver Cup (6f, heavy; acts on good to firm) 13 days ago; bold show likely if in similar form.

Spotlight: Dual C&D winner (also third last month) who made a successful start for the Jane Chapple-Hyam stable over 6f at Newmarket (good) 13 days ago, well on top at the finish and recording a career-best RPR; had the advantage of the rail but his 7lb rise is offset by Toby Moore's claim and his record here affords him respect.

Spotlight: He has run some solid races in sprint handicaps this season, including second over 5f at Haydock (heavy; acts on firm) off this mark last weekend; also placed twice here this year; in the mix.

Spotlight: Won a Class 3 handicap at Windsor (6f, good to firm) in June and ran well for second back at that track last month; only sixth (Northcliff third) of 13 over C&D in first-time cheekpieces since, though.

Spotlight: Has enjoyed a terrific season, including four handicap wins on good/good to firm; last week's second on unfavourable terms in a Beverley conditions race was a career-best RPR; course winner; has to enter calculations.

Spotlight: Returned from a break with a win at Windsor (6f, good to firm) in May but he hasn't come up to scratch in his four outings since; back on that successful mark but many others arrive with less to prove.

Spotlight: 2-2 in France last year (6.5f/1m, soft/very soft); yet to make a serious impact in Britain (five races over 1m/7f) and it remains to be seen whether the drop to sprinting helps.

Spotlight: Won four-runner race by nearly 5l at Leicester (6f, good to firm; first-time tongue-tie) in August but safely held on next two outings, latterly with no tongue-tie (missing again); needs to kick on again.

Spotlight: Blessed with significant ability but his tendency to fluff the start makes him an unreliable proposition; produced late to win a valuable handicap at Newcastle (6f, AW; first run after wind surgery) on Good Friday but down the field on all three outings since.

Spotlight: Very useful juvenile over 6f/7f but has struggled in three outings this year, weakening from prominence on 1m course handicap debut last time; William Buick booked but returns to sprinting with plenty to prove.