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Katie Midwinter has selections at Kempton and Wolverhampton
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Karl Burke-trained contender holds strong claims
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Diamond Bay can shine in staying contest
Kempton, 15:27 - Back Holloway Boy @ 9/43.25
Likeable gelding Holloway Boy could only manage sixth in this contest twelve months ago behind the talented, sadly ill-fated Poker Face, racing wide in the early stages and failing to finish with his usual kick but losing little in defeat.
He went on to put in a number of impressive performances at Meydan, including a narrow defeat to the reopposing Poker Face in Group Two company, and when third to Romantic Warrior at Group One level.
The Karl Burke-trained contender also finished second to Nations Pride and was able to put in a bold bid when beaten a neck on his return to action in Britain following a 196-day break at Ascot when last seen. He was narrowly denied by Crown Of Oaks when failing to cling on from top weight and a mark of 110 in the Balmoral Handicap on British Champions Day, but earned himself a 4lb rise for the placed effort from which he emerged with plenty of credit.
The son of Ulysses, who provided a 40/141.00 shock success on debut in the Chesham Stakes three years ago, appears to be improving with age and experience and is currently on a career-high mark. He has proved his credentials in deeper waters, including when landing Group Three success in only his second career win last season, and has the ability to make his presence felt in this field under William Buick, who partnered him to his latest win at Haydock.
Back Holloway Boy in 15:27 Kempton
Kempton, 15:27 - Back Brian E/W @ 25/126.00
Brian is another likeable contender who warrants consideration in this Listed feature. Things haven't quite gone his way this year, but he remains a horse to note and is open to further improvement.
The three-year-old shaped with promise as a juvenile, finishing fourth to Sergio Parisse on debut at Windsor, catching the eye at odds of 66/167.00 when narrowly denied third by subsequent three-time Listed winner Lady With The Lamp.
He was then just beaten by a future Group Two winner in Cool Hoof Luke, who beat Shadow Of Light to Gimcrack Stakes success at York, in a Chelmsford maiden, before placing third at odds of 28/129.00 in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.
During his debut campaign, Brian won twice for his former trainer Sylvester Kirk, including a valuable auction race on the July Course, plus finished an unfortunate close third at Group Three level in the Sirenia Stakes at this venue.
On yard debut for Stan Moore in April, Brian finished a two-length fourth to subsequent Betfair Sprint Cup winner Big Mojo in the Group Three Commonwealth Cup Trial, and, although unable to strike in five following runs, has had excuses and still warrants consideration.
Brian put in a competitive effort in handicap company in his penultimate start before disappointing over this course-and-distance when last seen, however, he has the ability to bounce back and shouldn't be discounted under an in-form Billy Loughnane.
Back Brian E/W in 15:27 Kempton
Wolverhampton, 18:30 - Back Diamond Bay @ 13/27.50
Tom Ward-trained Diamond Bay makes appeal under 3lb claiming Alec Voikhansky in this extended two mile staying handicap.
The seven-year-old gelding was only narrowly denied over this course-and-distance in his penultimate start from the same rating of 79, putting him in with strong claims on his return to this distance.
The son of New Bay caught the eye in defeat when fourth to Artisan Dancer over a mile-and-three-quarter last month, sticking to the task well for which he was dropped 1lb. He's on his last winning mark and has plenty of course experience in his favour, including a creditable fourth in a higher class Racing League contest here in July, which should hold him in good stead as he bids for a ninth career win.
Diamond Bay has won from higher ratings in the past and should be able to pose a threat in this contest on the back of a promising run, making the most appeal at odds of 13/27.50.
Back Diamond Bay in 18:30 Wolverhampton