18:20 Epsom Downs

Thursday 2 August 2018

All17:4518:2018:5519:3020:0020:30

smarkets.com Handicap

Off time: 18:24 | Winning time: 2m 35.41s

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Selected odds by:

(2)

Never Surrender²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Charlie Bennett⁽³⁾| T: C Hills| OR: 77

15/2

Sole win in 16 starts came in a maiden at Chester in May 2017. Back to form when third of 6 at Newbury last time, but again didn't entirely convince with his application. Others preferred.

Form: 9-40943

(5)

Hats Off To Larry¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Charles Bishop| T: M R Channon| OR: 75

11/4

Winner over 1m½f at Beverley and 1m2f at Windsor in June/July, and as good as ever when front-running third at Chester last time. Possible handicapper in charge now, and stamina for new trip taken on trust.

Form: 791413

(3)

Rydan^v¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: George Wood| T: G & J Moore| OR: 73| D

16/1

Has shown little in four starts so far this year, and although 2m might have stretched him last time, he found nothing for pressure, and needs a refitted visor to revitalise him now.

Form: 2-44803

(10)

Berrahri⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: Dayverson De Barros| T: J R Best| OR: 73| C

16/1

Had been struggling for form until a neck second of 4 to Just In Time in 1¾m handicap at Sandown last time. Well placed as that went, though, and it remains to be seen if he can build on it.

Form: 489882

(8)

Against The Odds^b¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: P Cosgrave| T: Tom Clover| OR: 73| D

8/1

Yet to refind best form for new yard, but did better in blinkers when 3¼L second of 4 to Hyanna over C&D last time, and every chance if headgear continues to have a positive effect.

Form: 83-4902

(1)

Amanto^p,t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: F Norton| T: A Stronge| OR: 70| CD

10/1

Bit better on AW than turf, but mark reflects that, and he was quite impressive when beating Wotabreeze over C&D last time. Idled in front there, and could well follow up despite a 5lb rise.

Form: 2-53531

(9)

Becca Campbell^p⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Georgia Cox⁽³⁾| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 68| D

16/1

A winner twice last year but she's been below form in six starts this campaign, although easy enough to forgive latest effort under an inexperienced rider at Newbury. Needs to raise her game.

Form: 806637

(7)

Clemento^p¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: Jason Watson⁽⁵⁾| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 67

4/1

Remains a maiden on the Flat after ten starts, but made a winning hurdles debut at Cartmel in May, and ran well back in this sphere when close second at Ayr last time. Leading claims on form.

Form: 33-9362

(6)

Bamako Du Chatelet^v⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 8-11| J: Yuga Kawada| T: Ian Williams| OR: 65| D

25/1

Not really firing on AW this season despite some respectable efforts, and was beaten a long way on his last turf outing. Opposable despite refitting of a visor.

Form: 465547

(4)

Brancaster⁵⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: S De Sousa| T: D R C Elsworth| OR: 62

4/1

Beaten a long way in three qualifying runs, and while he is open to improvement now handicapping, his opening mark does look stiff. Jockey booking does catch the eye, though, so worth a market check.

Form: 677

Forecasts

Hats Off To Larry (11/4), Brancaster (4/1), Clemento (4/1), Never Surrender (15/2), Against The Odds (8/1), Amanto (10/1), Becca Campbell (16/1), Berrahri (16/1), Rydan (16/1), Bamako Du Chatelet (25/1)

CLEMENTO may be a maiden on the level, but he proved he could win over hurdles in May, and went very close at Ayr last time. With a top apprentice booked, he makes plenty of appeal. Amanto won cosily over C&D last time, and should go well again despite a 5lb rise, and the well-handicapped Against The Odds is another to consider, assuming blinkers continue to have a positive effect.