Newmarket, 15:00 - 'Horse In Focus' Startled can build on recent promise
Startled was an emphatic winner of a Nottingham handicap that has proved to be a strong piece of form on his final start last season, and he posted an encouraging performance when third on his return at Lingfield in February.
Startled was racing from 2 lb out of the weights in a better-class handicap than he needs to contest, but he was still beaten only half a length and a neck, doing well to get that close to a pair who raced closer to the pace in a race in which it paid to be prominent.
That performance earned Startled the Horse In Focus Flag from Timeform's reporter, marking him out as one likely to be of firm interest next time, and he looks likely to give another good account of himself, particularly as the step up to seven furlongs should suit.
Back Startled in the 15:00 at Newmarket
Newmarket, 16:10 - Top-rated Tiger Power looks well treated on handicap debut
Tiger Power made an encouraging start to his career last season, winning on debut at Haydock before running at least as well when third at Newcastle, and he built markedly on that promise when showing improved form to defy a penalty on his return to action at Southwell in February.
Tiger Power impressed with how he moved through that contest, looming up over two furlongs out and leading on the bridle soon after. He was then faced with a stern-looking challenge but found plenty when asked and was nicely on top by the line, scoring by two and a quarter lengths and looking well suited by the step up to a mile.
That performance has perhaps been underestimated by the BHA assessor as an opening mark of 85 looks lenient and leaves Tiger Power 6 lb clear at the head of Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings on his handicap debut.
Back Tiger Power in the 16:10 at Newmarket
Newmarket, 16:45 - 'Horses For Courses' Great Chieftain can give good account
Great Chieftain won over this course and distance last May and underlined his effectiveness at Newmarket when running well in the Cambridgeshire Handicap over an extra furlong on his final start last season. He may have been only seventh in the Cambridgeshire, but he shaped better than the distance beaten would suggest and was second home in his group.
Great Chieftain is now 4 lb lower than when running so respectably in the Cambridgeshire and is on the same mark as when last successful at Haydock last May. He narrowly heads Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings and also has the Horses For Courses Flag to highlight his effectiveness at Newmarket, so he looks likely to give another good account at this venue from what is a fair mark.
Back Great Chieftain in the 16:45 at Newmarket