'He seems to be back right where we want him' - trainer quotes for a competitive handicap

There are some real old all-weather favourites in this line-up and none more so than Aramis Grey, who is a dual course-and-distance winner but has yet to score off a rating this high.

She has been running consistently well off her current mark of 95, though, and was beaten only three and three-quarter lengths when fourth in the Ayr Gold Cup on her last start.

That was 88 days ago on turf and the return to an artificial surface will suit, but she has yet to win after a break and has form figures reading 26222 following absences of at least 50 days.

Ingra Tor is another who returns from a short break. He was last seen chasing home Aramram at Wolverhampton in October under George Bass, who is back to ride and can claim 3lb.

That 3lb allowance in effect puts Ingra Tor back on the same mark as for his last success on turf at Newmarket in September and he is equally adept on the all-weather. His highest Racing Post Rating on sand came over course and distance and he can land a first course win.

Fire Demon will probably attract the bulk of attention in the market and he has three wins from five on the all-weather, including two over course and distance. He also comes into the race after a break, having not been seen since May, but he did win here after 120 days off in January.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Marco Botti, trainer of Sommelier
He’s drawn widest of all in stall 11 which is not a positive over six furlongs there but he ran a nice race back from a break at Newcastle last time.

Rae Guest, trainer of Aramis Grey
She is likely be one of my final runners and she’s going back to a track she loves. She’s well drawn so there’s plenty to like.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Flaming Rib
He’s back from a break after being a bit overfaced in Hong Kong and seems to be back right where we want him. He was rated 112 on his best form so we expect him to be competitive now he is down to 93.

Rod Millman, trainer of Amazonian Dream and Just A Spark
Amazonian Dream has been on the go all season but has not run for over a month as there have been no races for her. I expect her to go well and the same goes for Just A Spark, who is back from a mid-season break.
Reporting by David Milnes

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