BIOGRAPHER is a late-maturing type who somehow failed to win last season, despite running several solid races. Among them was fourth in the Doncaster Cup over two miles and there was another good run at Ascot on Champions Day. Today he kicks off his five-year-old campaign in the Listed Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham. It is a fairly warm contest with progressive looking horses including Mighty Yar and Flyng Officer, plus the useful High Jinx.

But it looks a good opportunity for David Lanigan’s consistent stayer to gain a deserved victory before going on to better things this season. He certainly won’t mind the soft ground and the trip looks ideal.

While not a betting proposition, it is exciting to see a potential Group One horse in Pearl Secret run at Nottingham. Third to Sole Power at Royal Ascot last campaign, he hasn’t been seen since but shouldn’t have too much trouble winning today. Fine ‘n Dandy was a very fast juvenile and it will be interesting to see if he has trained on as a three year old.

2pt win Biographer