Bet totequadpot Handicap

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(2)

Niblawi²⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: R Winston| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 89| D

9/2

Interesting change of stable and makes his debut for his new yard after changing hands for 40,000 guineas. Won twice towards the end of last season off marks of 73/79 and worth watching here in the market for any interest although a mark of 89 does make life fairly tough.

Form: 351143-

(6)

Beardwood^p³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-13| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 88| C| D

5/2

Dual winner over 1m2f last year showed his best form this year without his usual headgear (cheekpieces) on his penultimate start at Newmarket. Didn't build on the promise of that run last time out though (headgear back on) but does look as though he could be worth another try over further.

Form: 3-80534

(5)

Apres Midi²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: P J McDonald| T: K R Burke| OR: 80

12/1

Finished off last season by scoring in a 1m1f maiden at Hamilton and was made favourite for a Bath handicap on her debut in that sphere. Ran respectably last time and may well be able to get a soft lead here which would enhance her winning prospects.

Form: 3221-33

(1)

Kingthistle^p1,t1²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: G Lee| T: R Menzies| OR: 74

10/1

His AW form this winter if reproduced would give him a good chance here although he has yet to score on turf but has been effective on it in the past. Tries a new headgear combination now but he has run well of late in some competitive contest and is one to put in the mix.

Form: 313625

(4)

Sound Bar²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: R Kingscote| T: R M Beckett| OR: 82

11/4

Made some steady progression in maidens last year winning one on his third start over a mile at Newbury a race which looked to be strong form. Off for eight months, gelded and equipped with a hood for his handicap debut but failed to impress although given his maiden form is worth another chance.

Form: 921-9

(3)

Swiftsure³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-3| J: J Fanning| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 76

7/2

Overall his first run apart when he finished runner-up he's been a bit disappointing including on his handicap debut on his latest start at York. When in snatches there but now gelded and that may encourage a better display although he still has a lot to prove against some more solid performers.

Form: 24-07

Forecasts

Beardwood (5/2), Sound Bar (11/4), Swiftsure (7/2), Niblawi (9/2), Kingthistle (10/1), Apres Midi (12/1)

The only three-year-old in the field Sound Bar could be expected to take a step forward from his handicap debut over this longer trip while Niblawi is of interest for his new connections although his mark is a lot higher than when last seen in winning form. Apres Midi would be helped by getting a soft lead which could happen with a strong pace looking to suit Beardwood who could really do with stepping up to 1m4f. Swiftsure may well be better now he’s no longer a colt but does have to show more than he did at York and a chance is taken with KINGTHISTLE. He’s yet to win on turf but has run to a decent level in some tough contests and the new headgear combination could well eke out the necessary improvement.