Can Cambridgeshire also-ran Paddy The Squire bounce back down in grade?

The previous running of this handicap unearthed a future Group 2 winner as Poker Face bolted up for the Simon and Ed Crisford team. 

It seems unlikely that another Poker Face is lurking among this bunch, but there are two lightly raced three-year-olds who should have plenty more to offer. 

Shamran landed a Salisbury novice event in good style for Harry Charlton in August. By Kingman, the colt's dam is a half-sister to the six-time Group 1 winner Moonlight Cloud. 

His opening mark is potentially on the lenient side for his handicap debut and softer conditions could help, but we know a slow surface suits Spirit Of Acklam and he looks capable of building on his close third on good ground at Ayr three weeks ago.

Spirit Of Acklam did plenty wrong when finishing last in a typically competitive London Gold Cup, but looked more professional after a 136-day absence when his sights were lowered. The Cracksman colt should prefer this surface, but that is something hat-trick seeking youngster Inappropriate needs to prove.

Among the older brigade, Paddy The Squire catches the eye off a reduced mark for Iain Jardine. The fact his connections are keeping him busy is interesting, as this is his second start since finishing down the field in the Cambridgeshire. 

He didn't go unbacked for that prestigious Newmarket handicap (16-1 SP having been available at huge odds earlier in the week), but seemed to find the test too sharp. 

Paddy The Squire made reasonable late gains when seventh in another Class 2 event at York last time and meets a lesser calibre of opponent down in grade.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

Going update 

The going was described as soft, heavy in places on Sunday morning, and clerk of the course Richard Hammill said: "There are some heavy areas, especially coming into the home straight. We're in a pretty good place and we've not had the wet weather we were anticipating up to 11am.

"If it ever arrives, the forecast is for the storm to pass through by early afternoon and then it's due to be breezy and dry through to raceday. All being well, we should be pretty much where we are at the minute."

What they say

Harry Charlton, trainer of Shamran
He's bred to stay a bit further on his dam side and we've wanted to try him over ten furlongs after winning over a mile last time. This looked like the most suitable race on ground we hope isn't too soft for him.

David Easterby, joint-trainer of Spirit Of Acklam
We're looking forward to running him. He was one of our best prospects at the start of the season but picked up a little injury at Newbury in May. We gave him the time off he needed and he should come on for his reappearance run at Ayr.

Kevin Philippart de Foy, trainer of Expected Arrival
She won well at Haydock on her penultimate start and was just outpaced in a slowly run race at Kempton last time. The switch back to the turf should bring improvement and she'll be suited by the soft conditions.

William Stone, trainer of Tipsy Tiger
This looks competitive but we feel he'll be suited by the track and a stiff finish, while he has form on testing ground.
Reporting by Jonathan Harding

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