Final Furlong Podcast Handicap

Off time: 14:58 | Winning time: 2m 42.84s

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(2)

Galata Bridge^t³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Jim Crowley| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 80| D

8/15

Shown progress with each start. Made it third time lucky when improving for the step up to this trip at Wolverhampton (1m4f; standard) just under a month ago. Open to any amount of progress in this sphere. The one to beat.

Form: 6-21

(1)

Rich Belief⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: P J McDonald| T: J D Bethell| OR: 79

22/1

Most exposed in the line-up and although he is only 1lb above his last winning mark, he has failed to progress from breakthrough success on handicap debut. Didn't show any improvement for step up to 1m2f recently. Others make greater appeal.

Form: 3D4-765

(5)

Sacre Bleu^b¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: G Lee| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 75

12/1

Contested a couple of strong-looking maidens to date, including when just over six-length adrift of Portrush at Yarmouth (1m2f; good to firm). Should appreciate the switch to handicap company. Improvement highly likely as he steps up to 1m4f too.

Form: 64

(4)

Caledonian Crusade^h¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Callum Shepherd| T: D M Simcock| OR: 74

11/2

Should be winning races sooner rather than later. Unlucky to contest a couple of very competitive handicaps on either start so far this year, finding Boss Power just too good last time. Firmly on the premises once more.

Form: 445-32

(3)

Socially Shady^p¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke| OR: 73| D

11/2

Hasn't looked back since entering handicaps this summer, building upon his promising third at Ripon (1m4f; good to firm) to win twice since. Front-pair drew five-length clear of the third when he coped with the step up in grade last time. Up 4lb.

Form: 35-9311

Forecasts

Galata Bridge (8/15), Caledonian Crusade (11/2), Socially Shady (11/2), Sacre Bleu (12/1), Rich Belief (22/1)

A competitive contest despite the small field, with Sacre Bleu not fully discounted with the step up to 1m4f and switch to handicaps offering the promise of an improved showing. Socially Shady is on a roll as he chases a hat-trick and a 4lb rise may be lenient for his latest success. He has been unlucky to contest a couple of competitive affairs since entering handicaps but Caledonian Crusade should be up to winning in this grade sooner rather than later. He will do well to beat GALATA BRIDGE though who could potentially make a mockery of his opening mark. He is improving all the time and should continue to do so given his beautiful Chevelely Park pedigree.