MERCHANT looks the type to progress this season and will appreciate this stiffer test of stamina. He makes plenty of appeal in the finale. Anniversary and Rahiebb are also open to further improvement and rate the principal dangers.
Merchant
Anniversary
Rahiebb
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
5. Merchant
J: Tom MarquandT: William Haggas
F: 721-3
Price History:
2.50
Age:
3
Weight:
8-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
82
Days Since Last Run:
11
Verdict
Built up a positive profile in 3 runs at the back end of last year, culminating in victory at Wolverhampton (8.6f) over Christmas. Posted encouraging third of 7 on handicap debut at Newmarket (10f, good to firm) on return 11 days ago and remains with potential.
1. Anniversary
J: Rossa RyanT: Ralph Beckett
F: 122-
Price History:
3.75
Age:
3
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
93
Days Since Last Run:
204
Verdict
Progressed with each start last season, ending campaign with good 1½ lengths second of 6 to Many Men in nursery (5/6) at Newmarket (10f, soft), clear of rest. Gelded since and likely has more to offer this term.
2. Rahiebb
J: Silvestre De SousaT: Roger Varian
F: 122
Price History:
7.00
Age:
3
Weight:
9-6
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
90
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Frankel colt who overcame considerable greenness to make a winning debut in 1m novice at Newcastle in March. Similar form when runner-up both outings since and remains open to improvement now sent handicapping.
6. Last Galileo
J: Shane FoleyT: K. R. Burke
F: 21-6
Price History:
12.00
Age:
3
Weight:
8-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
82
Days Since Last Run:
30
Verdict
Confirmed debut promise when winning 7-runner novice at Ayr (8f, good) in October. Well held in much better company on return at Newmarket last month and doesn't look especially well treated on switch to handicapping here.
7. Many Men
J: Jack DoughtyT: Jim Boyle
F: 25351-15
Price History:
12.00
Age:
3
Weight:
8-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
80
Days Since Last Run:
20
Verdict
Improved at the second time of asking in nurseries when successful at Newmarket last October, and followed up on his reappearance at Doncaster (10.2f) in March. Arrives on back of creditable fifth in Sandown handicap but lacks the potential of some of his rivals.
8. Novelista
J: Joe FanningT: Charlie Johnston
F: 323-
Price History:
17.00
Age:
3
Weight:
8-5
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
75
Days Since Last Run:
199
Verdict
Fair form when placed in maiden/novice events (at up to 10f) last season. Bred to stay this longer trip and warrants respect on handicap debut.
3. Pantile Warrior
J: Ryan MooreT: John & Thady Gosden
F: 6222-14
Price History:
15.00
Age:
3
Weight:
9-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
87
Days Since Last Run:
46
Verdict
Runner-up 3 times last summer and returned from a gelding operation to go one better in 10f Chelmsford maiden in March. Did too much soon when disappointing on handicap debut at Doncaster since, though, and others appeal more.
4. Tuscan Star
J: Oisin MurphyT: Andrew Balding
F: 9-1113
Price History:
36.00
Age:
3
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
84
Days Since Last Run:
52
Verdict
Maiden/novice winner who improved again to complete an AW hat-trick in 2025 on 11f Kempton handicap debut in February. Not seen to best effect when close third at Wolverhampton (12.2f) since and remains open to improvement.