Smart Stat: £30.48 - Michael Dods's profit to a £1 level stake when having one runner at a Flat meeting
Destined shaped well in both of her start last season but she was much improved on her return to action when getting off the mark at Redcar earlier this month. That was a big-field novice event and she ran out a most convincing winner, produced to lead over a furlong out and staying on strongly in the closing stages, looking potentially useful. The handicapper may have taken a chance with her opening mark of 70 and she looks a big player now entering handicaps.
Smart Stat: 27% - William Buick's strike rate at LEICESTER
Gallimmus didn't show much in three starts last year, but he was all the rage in the betting, and proved a totally different proposition when making a winning start in handicaps over course and distance on Monday. He relished the step up to a mile and a quarter, while also showing the benefit of a gelding operation, still looking inexperienced in the closing stages but doing enough to prevail. There should be plenty more to come from him now and he should be hard to beat turned out quickly under William Buick, who has a good record at this course.
Smart Stat: 20% - Roger Varian's strike rate with handicap debutants
Al Muzn shaped well on his debut at Lingfield in November while looking in need of the experience and, despite not improving as expected since, he has seemingly been brought along with handicaps in mind. The step back up to six furlongs will suit him well and he is bred to be better than an opening mark of 65, so he is a horse to remain positive about for the time being, especially representing a yard that do well with horses entering handicaps.