Which two runners catch the eye for this competitive staying handicap?

Sunday: 1.50 Newmarket
Betfair Daily Rewards Handicap | 1m6f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

In terms of handicapping, both Cemhaan and Dark Jedi are officially 2lb 'well-in' compared to future assignments.

The five-year-old Cemhaan produced a career-best performance on his Salisbury reappearance over 1m4f, scampering three and three-quarter lengths clear of Grand Scheme despite pulling hard early off a slow pace.

He steps up in class, but is more likely to get a good gallop this time and should appreciate the step back up to 1m6f.

The year-older Dark Jedi was successful just once from ten starts last term, but acquitted himself with credit in some good-class handicaps.

Highly progressive Enemy, who beat him by three and three-quarter lengths at Musselburgh last time out, gave the form a timely boost when going close in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot on Wednesday.

Golden Flame, who represents the likeliest pace angle, starts his latest campaign off a career-high mark but promises to make further progress for Team Johnston this year.

The Andrew Balding-trained Valley Forge is another lightly-raced four-year-old who has more to offer in 2022, but arguably the most intriguing contender is the prolific Revolver, who returns from a 597-day absence.

Sir Mark Prescott's gelding rattled off a six-timer in staying handicaps two years ago, and was sent off 3-1 second-favourite to take the step up to Group 2 company in his stride in the Doncaster Cup.

He failed to shine when only fourth behind Spanish Mission, but the fact he has been on the missing list since suggests it is safe to draw a line through that performance.

Although stamina is very much Revolver's forte, he does not lack tactical speed, and the drop back to 1m6f is not necessarily the negative some may interpret it to be.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

Revolver: Rattled up a six-timer in 2020Credit: Tony Knapton (Pool (Getty Images))

What they say

Ed Dunlop, trainer of Red Verdon
He ran very respectably behind a Breeders' Cup winner on Friday and he still has his enthusiasm. He seems to have come out of it fine and it's on the doorstep, but we'll see how he is in the morning and make a decision about whether or not to run him.

Sir Mark Prescott, trainer of Revolver
He ran very well at Doncaster but strained his tendons so he's had all but two years off and everybody's been very patient. He was an improving horse then and his work has been good for a horse who has been off for a long time. We've got to start somewhere and the Sagaro looked hot - and it's two miles and I didn't want to risk him over an extreme distance first time.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Dark Jedi
He's run two cracking races this season. He gets a mile and six really well and he could get two miles.

Rossa Ryan, rider of Sir Rumi
I thought he got the mile and six at Musselburgh, where he was beaten by a very good horse in Enemy. My lad looked the winner at the two pole and he loves a good, strong gallop. He'd have a little squeak.

George Baker, trainer of Cemhaan
I'm looking forward to it. He's come back stronger this year and we hope he's a quietly progressive horse over this sort of distance. He won well at Salisbury and we're delighted he's squeezed into a heritage handicap. And it's always good to have 2lb in hand.
Reporting by David Carr

Sunday's race previews:

2.25 Newmarket: Clarehaven and Gosden aim to chase down Pretty Polly record with Crenelle

3.00 Newmarket: Will the Dahlia Stakes produce another star-studded roster this season?

3.40 Newmarket: O'Brien hoping Tenebrism will stay as he bids to extend 1,000 Guineas dominance

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