Spotlight: Gained his first handicap win when leading late in a 5f handicap at Goodwood in May; beaten off a 2lb lower mark on his last three starts but that doesn't tell the whole tale, especially in the Portland three weeks ago when he was nicely clear of the others to race nearest the stands' rail; has the ability to feature but slow starts are an issue; raced on good or faster this year but fully effective on soft as a 2yo.

Spotlight: He hasn't really looked back since dropping to 5f this summer, winning minor events at Ffos Las and Chepstow in July and easily landing a Class 5 at Ffos Las six days ago (5f, heavy); Newbury and Doncaster runs in August/September suggest he can still mix it in a higher grade and he looks well in under a 5lb penalty; the more rain to fall the better.

Spotlight: Came into this race in fine form 12 months ago and he ran a solid race for third off a 3lb higher mark; off the mark for 2025 when winning at Ripon in April; results have perked up again since fitted with cheekpieces and he has run well in all three Ascot visits.

Spotlight: On a losing run dating back to April 2023; he has slipped a long way in the weights and both his recent turf runs have offered promise, looking in need of the run at York and then shaping well for a long way in the Ayr Silver Cup two weeks ago; should have a big run in him back at 5f and he handles any ground.

Spotlight: Big improver this year, winning for the fourth time when battling well in a 5f Racing League event at Southwell in August; a difficult start was a contributory factor in his lesser effort back at Southwell two weeks ago and he'll have the option to grab the rail here, if desired, with a slow starter drawn next door; may not have finished improving just yet.

Spotlight: Good start for Stuart Williams when second in a Racing League handicap at Chepstow in August (6f, good); below par on next three starts (awkward leaving the stalls) but he was more smartly away at Haydock last week (5f, good to soft; cheekpieces first time) and found plenty for pressure to win a Class 2 handicap in good style; had the benefit of prime track position there and he's now 6lb higher but rain won't faze him and may yet rate higher.

Spotlight: Won two 6f handicaps (good ground) in the first half of the year; creditable efforts in defeat since but this is stronger than she is accustomed to and she's rarely seen over 5f.

Spotlight: Down in the weights and hinted at a full revival when a close fourth at Doncaster three weeks ago (5f, soft; form working out); failed to back that up at Nottingham on Thursday but he was fourth in this race last year, one of three good C&D runs.

Spotlight: Last season's heroics haven't been repeated this year but he has run creditably in some hot handicaps, notably a close fifth at York's Ebor meeting; on a competitive mark but the forecast rain might aid others more.

Spotlight: Won the corresponding event in 2022; a couple of runner-up finishes at Pontefract this season confirm he retains ability but it has still been an underwhelming campaign; handicapped accordingly but not sure he's in the form required to capitalise.

Spotlight: Ran well at Epsom on Derby day (6f, soft) but unable to build on it in three good sprints since; dropping down the weights but others have more pressing claims.