Past winner Impact 'in great condition and likes the track'

2.55 Newmarket
Longholes Handicap 6f | 4yo+ | ITV/RUK

Owned by the Royal Ascot Racing Club, Projection might have bigger targets later in the season but looks the type to win a decent prize at some point.

The Roger Charlton-trained four-year-old showed smart handicap form last term, finishing fourth at Newmarket's July meeting and fifth in the Stewards' Sprint off the back of an interrupted preparation.

Following some setbacks, Charlton has had a clear run with Projection and the in-form trainer will be hoping for better luck in a race in which he suffered a short-head defeat with Huntsmans Close two years ago.

Eastern Impact, who holds a decent record over course and distance, was the winner that day and returns off 2lb lower following a below-par last campaign.

What they say

David O'Meara, trainer of Intisaab
He won nicely at Ripon but has gone up another 3lb, which will make life difficult in a race as competitive as this.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Mr Lupton and Eastern Impact
Mr Lupton doesn't appear to be a Group horse, so we're going down the handicap route. Eastern Impact lost his way a little last season but he's come back from Dubai in great condition and likes the track.

Roger Charlton, trainer of Projection
He was lightly raced last year due to unfortunate setbacks but has done incredibly well since then and looks more like a proper sprinter now.

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Big Time
We stepped him up to a mile last season but he didn't get the trip so we dropped him back to six at Lingfield last time and he was probably unlucky not to win.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Poyle Vinnie and Hakam
Poyle Vinnie is in good form but prefers soft ground, so if it's too quick for him he probably won't run. That type of ground won't be an issue for Hakam and he should have a good chance.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Gunmetal
He's gone up 8lb for winning a course-and-distance handicap last month. Hopefully there's more to come and it's nice to know he's going back to a track he likes and can handle the Dip. It’s an obvious race to go for.