Nottingham, 16.18 - Back Kasgani @ 1/12.00
It is fair to say Kasgani didn't enjoy the breaks at this venue in April on his UK debut for Declan Carroll.
Snapped up for just 16,000 euros from Dermot Weld's stable at Goffs last autumn, the son of Sea The Stars endured a tortuous passage in a similar handicap to today's when Caph Star, who reopposes here, won in hard-fought fashion.
Travelling strongly for rider Zac Wheatley throughout, the selection found his run blocked persistently in the straight, before the gaps finally materialised late on, allowing the combination to keep on strongly into third, a length and a half behind the winner.
Subsequently nudged up 3lb by the handicapper, that added insult to injury for connections, but they have waited for a near identical test 46 days later and that patience could finally be rewarded.
Back Kasgani in 16:18 at Nottingham
Curragh, 19.20 - Back Emit @ 15/28.50
The usual suspects dominate the betting for this Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Handicap with Willie Mullins and Joseph O'Brien saddling contenders with strong challenges.
The free-going Too Bossy For Us returns to the level for the multiple champion trainer, looking to add to his Ascot 2024 win for previous connections.
Gelding the son of Golden Horn has certainly not placated him as he over-raced in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham when a commendable sixth and those traits blighted his subsequent efforts over hurdles at Fairyhouse and Punchestown in the spring.
He could well be a different proposition returned to the flat, but the Group form of Emit looks a good deal more compelling with his effort behind stablemate and Derby-placed Tennessee Stud at Longchamp in the autumn the clear pick on form.
Emit, whose claims I prefer to stablemate Yulia, didn't have the latent speed at today's venue last time to make an impact on the Orby Stakes which was won in rampant style by Purview whose connections quite rightly have lofty future targets for the son of Kingman.
However, Emit kept on gamely late on over a trip short of his best and this event represents the first time he has dipped into handicap company. With Ryan Moore booked he ought to go close.
Back Emit in 19:20 at the Curragh
Curragh, 19.20 - Back Factual Fact each-way @ 7/24.50
With four places on offer from an each-way perspective, Factual Fact also makes some appeal, even if he might need to make another significant leap forward class wise to mix it with Emit and Too Bossy For Us.
The son of Derby winner Authorized is very lightly-raced for a seven-year-old, which suggests there could be more progression to come, and I loved the way he moved through his latest race at Killarney prior to recording a hard-fought success.
As has been a trait in a number of his races, the selection was the last one off the bridle that day and he does look a horse that needs holding on to until late in the peace.
Quite how he was beaten at this track back in November by Switch From Diesel is a mystery and he emerged with plenty of credit over 12 furlongs on his penultimate start here when doing best of those trying to run down the enterprisingly-ridden Rock Of Ireland on deep ground.
With the likes of Listed winner Scentasia (rated 102 in her pomp) in his pedigree, Factual Fact does not lack for speed and this enthusiastic traveller should find today's slight drop in trip to his liking.
Back Factual Fact each-way in 19:20 at the Curragh