16:40 Mon 08 May 2023

FOLLOW @attheraces ON TWITTER HANDICAP (5)

Distance 6f 12y

Prize £4,397 Rated (0-70) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft

1. Confederation: Sole win from 12 starts was in a Brighton maiden, but he’s a generally reliable type who went close at Kempton in his final run during the winter. He is 2lb higher on his return but remains feasibly treated and is still unexposed on turf. He’s one to be respected.
2. Destiny’s Spirit: Had form figures of 1211 in 5f turf nurseries in her final four runs last season. Held in fourth of six at Nottingham on her recent return, but she should be sharper this time and looks worth another try at this trip. She’s a strong contender.
3. On The Pulse: Won two of her first three nurseries last summer but ended last season on a low note and was tailed off at Nottingham on her return last month. She has some questions to answer and needs a major revival back at this trip. However, her wins have come on good and soft ground.
4. Hiatus: Won a 6f handicap at Kempton in January and went very close there in March but has been vulnerable on Polytrack in his last two runs. His overall record stands at 1-15, and although still unexposed on turf, others seem more persuasive. Cheekpieces worn last time are removed.

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.

18:15 Mon 08 May 2023

CAMERON SMART MEMORIAL MAIDEN STAKES (5) (D.II)

Distance 1m 2f

Prize £4,320 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft

1. Nothing To Sea: Made a bold bid on his debut at Sandown, finishing runner-up to a useful Godolphin newcomer. That form puts him firmly in the picture, and he’s open to progress upped to 1m2f on his return. He’s a key player in this race.
2. Lunatick: Shaped with some promise in two novice events at Kempton late last year. Doesn’t have a lot to find on his first run after wind surgery, and this step up in trip should suit on pedigree. He’s a dangerous contender.
3. We Could Be Heroes: Had three runs last season, and while he didn’t really fire at Wolverhampton, he sets a good standard on his close second at Salisbury. If he can recapture that form after another break and is bred to stay this new trip, he’ll be a strong competitor.
4. Peace Man: Made a promising start at Wolverhampton but didn’t build on that when a well-held fourth at Redcar. He’s with a major yard and still in the early stages of his career, but he needs to find improvement to be a factor in this race.

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.

18:45 Mon 08 May 2023

DOWNLOAD THE AT THE RACES APP HANDICAP (4)

Distance 1m 3f 99y

Prize £5,653 Rated (0-85) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 5

Going Soft

1. Bucephalus: Returned from a year off with a comfortable win at Doncaster and still looks feasibly treated on his penultimate form. Finished down the field at Newmarket last time, but that was in a tough Class 2 event. Respected back up in trip and down in grade.
2. Noble Masquerade: Had a mixed record last term but won this race on his seasonal return, now 2lb lower than for that success. Needs a close look back from 192 days off. His turf wins have come on good to firm, but he has run well on soft ground.
3. Splendent: Lightly raced 4yo who looks well handicapped on his best form. Didn’t really get the breaks at Haydock on his recent return, but should benefit from that run. Could be dangerous at this new trip.
4. Downsman: Failed to shine when tried over hurdles on last five starts; no significant impact last year on the Flat except for the first time out, but the handicapper is giving him a chance. Not ruled out in new headgear; both wins were in 2021 on heavy going.

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.

19:15 Mon 08 May 2023

AT THE RACES APP MARKET MOVERS HANDICAP (5)

Distance 5f 21y

Prize £4,397 Rated (0-70) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 7

Going Soft

1. Rich Rhythm: Unraced at two, but off the mark when landing a C&D novice last summer. Ended last season with a respectable fifth of 14 in a Pontefract handicap. Still has potential after only five starts and is respected back in trip on his return.
2. Bang On The Bell: Got back near his best when scoring at Wolverhampton last month and followed up off his lower turf mark at Yarmouth. Narrow victory, but knuckled down well to beat some in-form rivals and is only 2lb higher here. Big player again with Oisin Murphy booked in his hat-trick bid.
3. Secret Handsheikh: Recorded his seventh win when finishing well to justify favouritism at Brighton. Up 4lb but remains well treated on his old form and went close on good to soft last autumn. A key player in this race.
4. Gherkin: Infrequent winner, but his last success was off 3lb higher over C&D last June. Returned to action with a fair third at Kempton last month. Has possibilities on this drop back in trip and his last two wins have come under Rob Hornby.

No additional horses that the rankings may have overlooked in this race.