Key pointers as Le Don De Vie bids for hat-trick glory in competitive handicap

Unibet Handicap | 1m4f, 3yo | ITV/RTV

The Unibet Handicap has often been a stepping stone to Group glory, with stars such as Pilsudski, Dartmouth and Pether's Moon going on to compete at the highest level, with the first-named claiming a Breeders' Cup Turf.

Bidding to join its illustrious roll of honour is Le Don De Vie, who moved to Hughie Morrison from Andrew Balding after landing two races at Epsom, bolting up by four and a half lengths last time.

Bought for £460,000 by Melbourne Cup-winning owner Aziz Kheir last month, the progressive three-year-old steps up in trip for his hat-trick bid under Oisin Murphy and could be campaigned in Australia next season.

"He finished strongly when he won at Epsom," said Morrison. "We're ticking him over and giving him every chance to develop – we're not over-training him at the moment. Oisin has ridden him before so he can tell me how I've trained him wrong."

Johnston out to bolster record

Mark Johnston has had more winners this month than any other in his career and boasts an enviable record in this £75,000 handicap, scoring with Love Galore (2008), Sir Graham Wade (2012), Double Bluff (2014) and most recently with Londinium (2017).

The trainer aims three at this year's renewal, headed by Sir Ron Priestley, who landed the bet365 Handicap at Haydock last time.

The son of Australia, a three-time winner this season, bounced back after finishing down the field in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

He is joined in the line-up by stablemate Mind The Crack, who finished half a length behind him at Haydock, and Persian Moon, who is making his third handicap start.

Handicap debut for Kosciuszko

John Gosden has yet to win this race but looks to have a good chance with Kosciuszko, who will make his handicap debut under Frankie Dettori.

Owned by China Horse Club, the three-year-old finished fifth last time in a novice contest at Newbury after a 300-day break.

Kosciuszko showed promise when staying on well to win over a mile at Sandown last September, but his trainer admitted he will need a bit of luck to get the better of his 13 rivals.

"He has been off for a bit but ran a nice race the other day," Gosden said. "It's a competitive handicap and he'll need the luck of the draw and the run of the race, but he should put up a good show."

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Eminence
He ran well when third in the King George V at Ascot and again over a shorter trip at Fairyhouse two weeks ago. Going back to a mile and a half should suit him well.

Roger Varian, trainer of Three Comets
He's not run for a long time and has been gelded since Lingfield. It's a warm race in which to reintroduce him, but he's fresh and this should tell us how we proceed for the rest of the season.

William Haggas, trainer of Desert Icon
He's in good form and this has been the plan since he finished second at Salisbury. He came out of the race well, but he doesn't want rain.

David Simcock, trainer of Durston
Any ease in the ground will suit. He's improving all the time. He's been in great form and we're looking forward to running him, especially if we do get a bit more rain.

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