Heath Court Hotel Christmas Handicap

Off time: 14:53 | Winning time: 3m 40.71s

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(7)

Rainbow Dreamer^p²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Tom Marquand| T: A King| OR: 93| D

11/2

Has had his problems, but a smart staying handicapper when right, and back to winning ways at Southwell in February. Not at his best in a visor the last twice (tailed off in Cesarewitch last time), and back in cheekpieces now.

Form: 314/180

(2)

Fun Mac^t¹¹^{(ex 4)}

Age: 8| Weight: 9-9| J: P J McDonald| T: H Morrison| OR: 84

3/1

Fourth in the Ascot Stakes and back to that from with last-gasp win in the mud at Pontefract (2¼m) last time. Looks vulnerable under a penalty back in trip.

Form: 0-54071

(4)

Graceful Lady²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Andrew Breslin⁽⁵⁾| T: R Eddery| OR: 81| CD

13/2

Goes well here, winning this race a year ago, and scored over 2m on the July Course in the summer. Below form over further the last twice (tough task lasy time), but return to this C&D gives her every chance.

Form: 631270

(6)

Doctor Cross⁷^{(ex 5)}

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Connor Murtagh⁽³⁾| T: R A Fahey| OR: 74| D

11/2

Plenty of creditable efforts to his name this season,a nd deservedly got his head in front at Newcastle last time, battling on willingly. Needs more to defy a 5lb penalty, but respected in current heart.

Form: 424551

(1)

Champagne Champ^t⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 8-12| J: David Egan| T: B R Millman| OR: 77| D

3/1

Can look tricky but won over hurdles in the spring, and yard having good season. Creditable fourth of 8 to Land of Oz in Cesarewitch Trial here last time, and has claims if building on that.

Form: 740-364

(5)

Colwood⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-9| J: Darragh Keenan⁽³⁾| T: R Eddery| OR: 68| D

5/1

Is 0-12 on turf but he has won three times on the AW, with his latest success coming back in June at Lingfield. Ran well at Newbury last time, but not easy to fancy from 6lb out of the handicap here.

Form: 417332

Non-Runners

(3)

Sevenna Star³⁶

Weight: 10-4| Age: 4

T: J Ryan J: A Kirby

Forecasts

Champagne Champ (3/1), Fun Mac (3/1), Colwood (5/1), Rainbow Dreamer (11/2), Doctor Cross (11/2), Graceful Lady (13/2), Sevenna Star (14/1)

CHAMPAGNE CHAMP can look quirky, but he comes here fresh, and ran well enough in the Cesarewitch Trial here last time to think he can take advantage of a fair mark. Last year's winner Graceful Lady was behind the selection last time, but the drop in trip will suit, and she is feared, while recent winners Fun Mac and Doctor Cross need a bit more under their respective penalties, but merit respect.