Heavy-ground novice winner last spring and underlined how well he copes with testing ground when second in 2¼m Pontefract handicap on reappearance. Stiff task when pulled up in Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot but drops appreciably in grade on first start for new yard (7-lb claimer booked).
Course winner. 2 wins from 6 runs this year. Respectable sixth of 10 in handicap (11/1) at Chester (12.3f, soft) 14 days ago. Significantly back up in trip.
Returned to best to capitalise on the drop back in grade in 12-runner handicap at Carlisle (17.2f, good to soft) 54 days ago, well on top finish. 3 lb rise shouldn't prevent another good run.
Winner here in April. Not disgraced both starts in handicaps subsequently and interesting now returning to softer ground following a break/gelding operation.
C&D winner who left his reappearance well behind when second of 7 in C&D handicap (good to firm) 32 days ago. Claims with a repeat.
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Forecasts
Maxident (9/4), Tokyo Bay (9/4), Merrijig (9/2), Zimmerman (13/2), Clansman (11/1), Two Auld Pals (16/1), Spantik (33/1)
MAXIDENT goes well in the mud and is taken to capitalise on a notable drop in grade having contested the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot when last seen in June. Tokyo Bay and Merrijig are feared most.