November Handicap hero Litigant will bid for encore if rain arrives

Litigant, last year's four-and-a-half-length Betfred November Handicap winner, will be back for more on Saturday off just a 4lb higher mark - provided the forecast rain arrives.

The eight-year-old, who in last season's Ebor gave weight and a beating to subsequent Irish St Leger winner Wicklow Brave, has run just twice since his Doncaster triumph 12 months ago, finishing sixth in last month's British Champions Long Distance Cup and ninth a week later in the Prix Royal-Oak. On both occasions he was beaten less than six lengths.

"The plan is he'll go there, but I'd love a drop of rain as it's good to firm and on that he'd be a doubt," said Tuite, whose charge is a 14-1 chance with the race sponsor.

November Handicap entries

He added: "He's had his problems, he doesn't make it easy on himself, so we have to mind him slightly, but it looks like they'll get some rain and at this time of year it doesn't take much.

"Everything's gone very well since we got him back. He's come out of his two races well and we've decided to lower our sights. I feel he's run to his mark on his last two starts. They were very good runs – he wasn't beaten far by very good horses."

At £80,000, this year's November Handicap is worth £15,000 more than in 2015 - although still £20,000 less than in 2010 - and Tuite said: "He ran very well to win last year and an extra 4lb wouldn't have stopped him that day, so if they get the rain he'll take a lot of beating."

Betfred inserted John Gosden's recent course winner Cape Cova as their 8-1 favourite.