Highland Acclaim Handicap

Off time: 19:39 | Winning time: 1m 9.22s

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(3)

Ashpan Sam^p⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 9-12| J: L Morris| T: David Drinkwater| OR: 84| CD

6/1

Admirable performer who vastly improved from seasonal reappearance when third in C&D a week ago. Had some of his rivals behind him that day and should give a good account off top weight.

Form: 4546-03

(2)

Helvetian¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Oisin Murphy| T: M R Channon| OR: 82| D

11/4

Sixth in strong C&D handicap two starts ago (stumbled at the start) but flopped when eased to this class at Bath (5f, good to firm) last time out. Needs to put that effort behind him but claims on last Epsom run.

Form: 95-9568

(4)

Diamond Lady²³

Age: 8| Weight: 9-7| J: S W Kelly| T: W Stone| OR: 79| BF| D

7/1

Specialist over sprint distances at Brighton and has been in good form this season. Creditable second at that track (6f, good to firm) and likely to handle contours of this track but could be in grip of the handicapper. Respected.

Form: 6-21512

(5)

Clear Spring⁴⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 9-5| J: F Norton| T: J L Spearing| OR: 77| CD

6/1

11-year-old C&D winner in the past and wasn't beaten far when fourth of seven at Windsor (6f, good to firm) on seasonal reappearance. Entitled to come on for that effort and can't be discounted.

Form: 165/87-4

(7)

Highland Acclaim^h⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 9-5| J: David Probert| T: D O'Meara| OR: 77| BF| CD

3/1

Grand performer who specialises at this idiosyncratic track. Fair fourth of seven over C&D a week ago and must improve to match Asphan Sam, who was ahead of him that day, but dangerous to ignore on previous course form.

Form: 145604

(1)

Harrogate^b⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Charlie Bennett| T: J R Boyle| OR: 77| D

13/2

Winner at Lingfield in May but has been well-held in two starts over C&D this season, including when behind Ashpan Sam and Highland Acclaim a week ago. A bit to find on them rivals and others are preferred.

Form: 801065

(6)

Real Estate^p²³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: Callum Shepherd| T: M J Attwater| OR: 70| D

8/1

Twice a winner over this trip this season but not so good in last two starts, including when fourth of eight at Brighton (6f, good to firm) on latest start. This looks a tougher race and more will is needed.

Form: 162154

Forecasts

Helvetian (11/4), Highland Acclaim (3/1), Ashpan Sam (6/1), Clear Spring (6/1), Harrogate (13/2), Diamond Lady (7/1), Real Estate (8/1)

Course form is expected to be crucial in this contest, and the admirable HIGHLAND ACCLAIM can improve from his recent course outing (where he was slightly tapped for toe at a crucial stage) in an easier contest to continue his love affair with this track and land the raced named in his honour. Ashpan Sam bounced right back to form over C&D last time out but could struggle giving weight away to rivals who are of similar ability, while Clear Spring is expected to strip fitter for this while Helvetian has claims if bouncing back from a poor run.