19:30 Sandown

Thursday 16 July 2020

All16:2016:5517:2518:0018:3019:0019:3020:00

Claygate Handicap

Off time: 19:31 | Winning time: 2m 9.35s

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Selected odds by:

(1)

Phoenix Aquilus²⁵³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: S Durack| OR: 73

20/1

Showed plenty of ability in two starts last year, both at Nottingham on heavy ground, and looks the type to do better at three. Faces different ground but step up in trip looks a positive, and he's worth a look in the market at least.

Form: 23-

(4)

Alargedram²⁸³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A King| OR: 72

5/1

Steady progression last year, finished off with a staying-on fourth over 1m at Windsor and looked very much in need of this step up in trip. Handicap debut for yard that has been going well over the past few weeks.

Form: 944-

(2)

Cozone¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: M Dwyer| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 72

10/3

Much better on latest start when running on well to claim second over 12f at Kempton, leaving previous moderate efforts behind. Drops back in trip here, but that's no bad thing on this stiff track, and he looks one of the better options.

Form: 0-52

(8)

Siempre Rapido¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: L P Keniry| T: W S Kittow| OR: 72

25/1

Well held on only start at 2 but much better in two starts this year, and after not getting home over 12f at Kempton last time, this drop back in trip looks ideal. Handicap debut today, and yard can land a touch, so watch market for a clue.

Form: 0-66

(7)

By My Side²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: K Shoemark| T: M L W Bell| OR: 72

7/1

Has put in two solid enough efforts since racing resumed, and got as close to winning as she has done when a 1½l third at Haydock last time (12f). Drop back in trip won't bother her on this stiff finish, and she should have more to come.

Form: 9-43

(13)

Grey Fox²³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: R Havlin| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 70

11/1

Handicapped on the two starts he's had to date, showing ability on both occasions and this step up in trip looks sure to suit on breeding. Gelded since last seen, but hasn't raced since November, and might need this run to put him straight.

Form: 56-

(6)

Fighting Don³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: L Morris| T: H J L Dunlop| OR: 70

40/1

Some useful form at two, and it's possible a combination of him needing the run and the trip (12f) being a bit too far was responsible for a below-par effort on reappearance last month. Not written off just yet, but needs to bounce back.

Form: 05474-3

(14)

Rajguru³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: J Mitchell| T: Tom Clover| OR: 69

10/1

Placed on three of his seven starts but already looks a bit more exposed than a few, although worth another try at this trip based on his one-paced third over 1m at Yarmouth last time. Others likely to be improving past him.

Form: 2492-43

(10)

Life Matters²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: S W Kelly| T: R Hughes| OR: 67

12/1

Much better effort on latest start at Wolverhampton when upped to 12f, staying on well late to grab second. Drops back a couple of furlongs, which isn't necessarily a good thing, but that was a good step forward and he may be capable of better.

Form: 60-72

(5)

Sweet Reward¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman| OR: 67

25/1

Had four starts so far, all over shorter trips and looks a little one-paced, so this step up to 10f could suit. Readily held on first handicap start at Windsor last month though, so needs improvement tonight.

Form: 586-5

(3)

Decora¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: George Bass⁽⁷⁾| T: M R Channon| OR: 65

9/1

Can't fault her consistency, has constantly finished close up and in the frame in her races but handicapper already seems to have her measure. Trip and ground will both suit, though, and no reaosn not to run her race, so could easily hit the frame.

Form: 43-2333

(12)

Diva Kareem¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Cieren Fallon⁽³⁾| T: George Baker| OR: 63

10/1

Placed on three of her six starts but she's not really progressing and has been readily held off slightly higher marks in handicaps already. Likely to find others improving past her tonight.

Form: 322-854

(11)

Bruisa⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 62

50/1

May not be straightforward (walked to post last time) and form to date just modest, possible soft ground didn't suit on latest start but overall form leaves her with a bit to find. Others readily preferred.

Form: 8-4657

(9)

Summer Valley²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: Jason Watson| T: G & J Moore| OR: 62

16/1

Put in a better effort upped to 10f at Windsor on latest start and conditions here fine, but has been sent off big prices all starts to date, so little had been expected. May need more in a better race, but she is back on track now.

Form: 506-04

Forecasts

Cozone (10/3), Alargedram (5/1), By My Side (7/1), Decora (9/1), Diva Kareem (10/1), Rajguru (10/1), Grey Fox (11/1), Life Matters (12/1), Summer Valley (16/1), Phoenix Aquilus (20/1), Sweet Reward (25/1), Siempre Rapido (25/1), Fighting Don (40/1), Bruisa (50/1)

An open contest, with plenty likely to improve now stepping into handicaps, or trying a new trip. Maybe COZONE is the answer, as his two runs this season have been full of promise (his Newbury fifth is working out well, with three winners from the race since) and this trip might be the answer after trying 12f at Kempton last time. By My Side is going the right way and she too has form in races that are throwing up winners, so might be the danger. Decora runs her race more often than not and should be on the premises again.