Graignes (Fr)
- J: Pat Cosgrave
- T: George Baker
- F:
- Age
- 8
- Weight
- 9st 9lbs
- Or
- 79
Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Eighth of 11 in handicap at Windsor (10f, good to firm, 25/1) 21 days ago. This probably his level now but he doesn't look totally straightforward.
- Age
- 5
- Weight
- 9st 8lbs
- Or
- 78
C&D winner. Latest win here in March. 16/1, fifth of 6 in handicap at Newmarket (12f, good) 13 days ago. Return to AW will help his cause.
Appier (Ire)
- J: Ben Sanderson
- T: S. P. C. Woods
- F:
- Age
- 5
- Weight
- 9st 12lbs
- Or
- 82
Three-time C&D winner. Eight wins from 28 Flat runs. Latest win here in June. Fifth of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (12.4f, 6/1) 40 days ago, though was left poorly placed as the race unfolded.
- Age
- 5
- Weight
- 10st 1lbs
- Or
- 85
Course winner. Eleven runs since last win in 2023. Last of 6 in handicap (25/1) at Goodwood (12f, soft) 12 days ago, very slowly away. Dropping in the weights but hard to be confident about him at present.
Optician
- J: Luke Morris
- T: Shaun Lycett
- F:
- Age
- 4
- Weight
- 9st 6lbs
- Or
- 76
3 wins from 8 runs this year. 7/2, good second of 5 in handicap at Thirsk (12f, good to firm) 27 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Can make presence back on the AW (racked up a 4-timer last winter).
Expert Witness
- J: Mia Nicholls
- T: Sir Mark Todd
- F:
- Age
- 4
- Weight
- 10st 1lbs
- Or
- 85
Course winner. Latest win at Epsom in August. 5 lengths sixth of 8 to High Spirited in listed race (28/1) at Salisbury (9.9f, good to firm) 22 days ago. Up in trip and new mark has kicked in.
Prince Maxi (Ire)
- J: David Egan
- T: David Loughnane
- F:
- Age
- 4
- Weight
- 9st 9lbs
- Or
- 79
Blinkered for first time, third of 5 in handicap at Catterick (12.1f, good to firm, 10/3) 43 days ago, having run of race. First run for yard after leaving George Scott and he's not fully exposed.
Surrey Fire
- J: Charles Bishop
- T: Hughie Morrison
- F:
- Age
- 3
- Weight
- 9st 5lbs
- Or
- 83
Promising type. 1 win from 2 runs this year. Won 6-runner novice at this course (10f, AW, 7/1) 37 days ago. Makes handicap debut and mark could underestimate him with prospect of plenty more to come.
Aviemore
- J: Franny Norton
- T: Charlie Johnston
- F:
- Age
- 3
- Weight
- 9st 4lbs
- Or
- 82
Winner at Ayr in July. 11/4, creditable fourth of 10 in handicap at Ayr (10f, good) 24 days ago. Makes polytrack debut and definite player if he can settle a touch better this time.
Timeform Verdict 
The one with the interesting profile here is SURREY FIRE, who showed a striking turn of foot when successful here a month ago and after just 3 runs, there should be plenty more to come from him now handicapping. Optician's strike rate on the AW is excellent so he's second choice, ahead of Aviemore.
Betting Forecast
16/1 Graignes (Fr), 22/1 God Of Thunder (Ire), 9/1 Appier (Ire), 25/1 Youthful King, 5/1 Optician, 13/2 Expert Witness, 10/1 Prince Maxi (Ire), 10/3 Surrey Fire, 11/2 Aviemore