Will Dashing Harry prove the answer on his return from a break? Analysis and key quotes for the sprint handicap

Last Outlaw is the least exposed member of this small field and many punters may be drawn to him on that basis.

The son of Dandy Man landed a Leicester novice on just his second start in July, but whether that form merits an opening mark of 73 can be only conjecture.

Most of the beaten runners in that contest have disappointed since, although Caribbean Wind, who finished fifth, won next time out at Ripon and is now rated 68.

Infinity Blue got the better of Nogo's Dream – runner-up on his last five starts – by a length and a half at Newmarket last month.

That form looks superior to the level shown by Last Outlaw, but he could finish only seventh of ten off a 5lb higher mark behind Wichahpi at Carlisle last time.

It is not difficult to argue that the 75-rated Cypriot Diaspora also lodges on a stiff mark, having been beaten in both starts since scoring off 4lb lower at Goodwood in June.

Perhaps Dashing Harry will take a step forward for this return to 6f in a new headgear combination of hood and tongue-tie.

The Clive Cox-trained three-year-old ran a career-best over this course first time out in 2024, when a four-length runner-up to Kendall Roy.

That winner is now rated 96 following three subsequent successes and started joint-favourite for a Glorious Goodwood handicap.

Dashing Harry has been given a break since his last run at Haydock in early July, and could prove the answer in a contest which may not take a great deal of winning.
Analysis by Richard Birch

Going latest

The ground was good, good to firm in places at the Berkshire track on Sunday and, despite a thunderstorm risk, clerk of the course Charlie Rees opted not to water. 

"We watered selectively down the straight on Saturday with 3mm, but we've taken the decision not to water today to allow the track to dry back to what we hope will be lovely good to firm ground on raceday," said Rees on Sunday. 

"We've got highs of 25C today and there's a slight chance of thunderstorms, but I think it's very unlikely we'll see any. If we do, it'll be a maximum of 2mm, so it shouldn't have a huge effect."

What they say

Steve Brown, assistant to Julie Camacho, trainer of Infinity Blue
We were really pleased with him at Newmarket but we were disappointed last time at Carlisle. We slightly put it down to the ground, which we feel was softer than the going description, but that's all it was. We have to bounce back. If he's at his Newmarket form he'll be well there, but we need to see it.

Dave Loughnane, trainer of Exponista
She probably hasn't fired the way we hoped so far this season but she's in good order at home. We've got our fingers crossed we can take a step back in the right direction. She's never given us signs of a wind problem but we've put a tongue-tie on her just to try something different.

Rod Millman, trainer of Cypriot Diaspora 
She's quite a nice filly and is well drawn here. There's a chance of some rain but she likes good ground and goes on soft ground too, so it won't be a problem. She'll run a good race and she's got Oisin [Murphy] on board, which is never a bad thing.

Michael Wigham, trainer of Last Outlaw
It looks like it's going to be a good race and Last Outlaw seems well at home. He's in good form and I think his opening mark is fair. The track should suit him – the best horse normally wins there. Sean [Kirrane] has given him two good rides so far and is back on board, so hopefully he'll run a big race.
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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