Birchwood out to rediscover best form by going back to basics

Betway Cammidge Trophy | Listed | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV4/ATR

Birchwood started his career with a win at Doncaster in May 2015 before following up over six furlongs at Newbury that same month.

Since winning the Superlative Stakes in that two-year-old season, all of the Godolphin colt's appearances have been at seven furlongs or further and have been almost exclusively at Group level.

Today he drops not only in trip, but in class – the last time he raced in Listed company he won the City Plate at Chester.

Top-rated

On a mark of 110 Birchwood has the highest official rating of a field which also includes last year's winner Mobsta, one of two runners from the Mick Channon stable.

What they say

Bryan Smart, trainer of Nameitwhatyoulike
The ground should be on the slow side, which won't worry him, but he has a penalty for winning a Listed race last year. He's as fit as I can get him without a run.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Swift Approval
He's had only one run for us so we're still learning about him. He's not that well in at the weights with a 3lb penalty for winning a Listed race last year. This could easily be a Group 3.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Absolutely So
His fitness would be a slight question mark first time out, but he's a decent horse and we expect a bold show.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Birchwood and Rene Mathis
Birchwood is trying sprinting again after last year when we never felt he was concentrating. We tried blinkers and other things, but this spring he's been training very well and is a happy horse. Rene Mathis ran okay at Wolverhampton last time. He'll like the trip and ground and I'd be hopeful of a place.

Ed Walker, trainer of Captain Colby
He really lost his way after winning the Portland with quite a bit in hand. I don't quite know why. He's freshened up well and his work has been good. He needs a career best to be in the mix but I wouldn't be surprised if he does it.

Ruth Carr, trainer of Pipers Note
He's not well in at the weights but is well in himself. I'd be delighted if he picks up a bit of prize-money. This will put him further forward for a handicap later in the month.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Tupi
He ran a very good race in Dubai. I'm very pleased with him and with Ryan [Moore] on I'm hoping he'll run well.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Blue Bayou
She's in top order at home after losing her way a little bit towards the end of last year. It's a tough race but she's ready to give a good account.