13:45 – Susiesparkle
14:15 – Fallen Soldier
14:50 – Spring Corn
15:20 – Local Lad
15:50 – The Gay Blade
16:20 – Midnights Dream
16:50 – Style Of Life
17:20 – Reputation
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change.
Irish import SUSIESPARKLE is a maiden after 11 starts and was out with the washing at Navan last time, but she took a step forward when runner-up at Sligo prior to that and will have every chance on debut for her new yard here if able to reproduce that level of form. Can Can Girl and Tiberio Force may emerge as the main dangers.
FALLEN SOLDIER still looked a work in progress, but he shaped better than previously on his handicap debut over six furlongs at Southwell earlier this month. He didn’t settle fully but was making good headway when denied a run approaching the final furlong, having to switch and finishing with running left. Fallen Soldier left the impression he’s been handed a fair opening mark and remains a horse to be positive about. River Blackwater and Wondrous Ways rate the principal dangers.
It might be worth siding with Tim Easterby’s SPRING CORN, who appeals as a potential improver now handicapping after a break. He showed ability on his debut and on that running an opening mark of 65 looks fair enough. Summer of Light and Moostar are other potential improvers now joining the handicap ranks in a contest where the betting could prove informative.
LOCAL LAD made a very encouraging debut in Group 3 company at the Curragh in May, making headway when forced to switch two furlongs out and ran on well to be beaten just over a length by some useful types. He hasn’t been seen since, but he remains with plenty of potential, will relish this longer trip and sets a high standard in this field. Chemical was surrounded by subsequent winners at Kempton last month so rates the main threat.
THE GAY BLADE finished behind Agnes Grey at Carlisle last week but now benefits from a swing at the weights with that rival, who carries a penalty, and he can notch his fourth win of this season on these revised terms. Agnes Grey arrives at the top of her game and has to be highly respected herself, whilst Calafrio won a similar contest here the previous month and completes the shortlist.
MIDNIGHT’S DREAM was well supported on his debut at Southwell in December, but was unlucky to bump into an above-average sort, and he showed something more like that form when third in a maiden over six furlongs at Salisbury in May. An opening mark of 70 may not be a gift, but he’s bred to be useful, and could have more to offer in handicaps. Amayretto is more exposed but she’s likely to give it another good go, with Mereside Madness another of interest.
STYLE OF LIFE was a two-time winner for Jamie Osborne last season, and she ran up to her best on her second start for these connections when runner-up over this trip at Ripon last month. She didn’t settle fully at Southwell last time, but is capable of winning races from this mark, which is just 1 lb higher than her last winning one. She edges the vote at the chief expense of course and distance winner Hostelry.
A competitive handicap to close the card that can go the way of REPUTATION, who shaped well when doing easily best of those from off the pace at Chelmsford on his latest outing. He is taken to record a second course and distance success from his reduced mark, with Mister Sox respected having been in good form when last seen three months ago. Biplane completes the shortlist.
13:45 – Susiesparkle
14:15 – Fallen Soldier
14:50 – Spring Corn
15:20 – Local Lad
15:50 – The Gay Blade
16:20 – Midnights Dream
16:50 – Style Of Life
17:20 – Reputation
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change.
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