'He's going into uncharted territory' - can Caballo De Mar emulate classy stablemate in red-hot handicap?

George Scott is crafting a good reputation with staying handicappers and there are shades of Prydwen about Caballo De Mar, a major contender in this valuable handicap.

Prydwen began his winning streak in handicaps off a basement mark of 69 and landed this off 105 last year. Caballo De Mar represents the same connections and has won his last four, climbing 21lb in the ratings. There is a reasonable chance the four-year-old can continue on an upward trajectory.

Caballo De Mar has run out an easy winner of his past three races at this track and an extra two and a half furlongs poses few fears. That also applies to Gibside, who impressed over this trip on soft ground at York two starts ago.

Tim Easterby's runner caught the eye when staying on into second behind Caballo De Mar last time and is entitled to step forward for his return. That was a rock-solid all-weather debut and he enjoys a 5lb swing with the race-fit winner. Perhaps the positions will be reversed.

Kyle Of Lochalsh was a standing dish in the top staying handicaps last season and is respected if fit enough on his comeback. Cesarewitch runner-up Manxman and the classy Postileo, who debuts for Alan Brown off a favourable mark and with a first-time visor applied, are also in contention.

Charging Thunder and Duke Of Oxford bring solid strands of recent all-weather form to the table, as does Heathen, another to catch the eye in a wide-open handicap.

Heathen posted an excellent Topspeed figure on All-Weather finals day when plugging on into third behind the smart Wonder Legend, who lowered the track record by 1.45secs. His chance hinges on a proper end-to-end gallop.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Kyle Of Lochalsh
We are low on options as he needs soft ground on turf and there is a heatwave forecast next week. He needed his first run back last year and we expect him to improve as the season goes on.

Michael Bell, trainer of Duke Of Oxford
It's slightly Hobson's Choice as there aren't that many races for him. It's maybe a bit soon after he ran on Good Friday but he seems in good shape and this is a nice opportunity for our apprentice Joe Bradnam.

James Owen, trainer of Charging Thunder
He likes the surface and was only narrowly beaten at Newbury last time. He's a possible for the Chester Cup and this will tell us more, but we expect him to be competitive.

Ed Crisford, joint-trainer of Manxman
We were toying with running him in the Chester Cup but we're starting back here as it's good prize-money and we expect the surface to suit. He's ready to start and has plenty of options down the line.

Chris Dixon, racing manager of The Horse Watchers, owners of Heathen
He's had a brilliant winter and we were delighted with him at Newcastle last week. He seems to be at his best when fresh and we're not sure he'll be in the same form turned out this quickly, but he has come out of that recent run bouncing so we're going to have another go given the excellent money on offer. If he's in the same form as Newcastle then he should be competitive again.

Alan King, trainer of Blazeon Five
She ran two decent races over hurdles, so we're keeping her a novice for next season and switching back to the Flat.

George Scott, trainer of Caballo De Mar
He's going into uncharted territory over two miles but he's given every indication he'll stay. He loves the track but will have to put in a career best to win as it's as strong a race as you would expect for the prize-money.
Reporting by David Milnes

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.