Read Andrew Balding On Betway Insider Handicap

Off time: 17:41 | Winning time: 2m 58.88s

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(1)

Quloob^b1⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Rhys Clutterbuck⁽⁷⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 86| C

13/2

Well below form on return in the Ascot Stakes, and although well beaten when last of 9 to Hochfeld at Goodwood last time, he did shape better than the bare result there. Blinkers tried now, and still looks rather risky.

Form: 5434-09

(2)

Mouriyani²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Tom Marquand| T: T Ward| OR: 80| D

9/1

Has won three handicaps on turf/AW at a range of trips this year, although no obvious excuses when seventh of 10 to Monsieur Lambrays at Salisbury last time. Premature to write him off on one poor run, but he does have it to prove off current mark.

Form: 411517

(4)

Dazzling Rock²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 77

14/1

Went missing after landing a 2m Chelmsford handicap last April, and presumably needed the run when only 13L fourth of 9 to Volcanic Sky at Kempton last month. Should be closer to peak here, and market useful.

Form: 4105/1-4

(5)

Horatio Star¹⁸³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: William Carver⁽⁵⁾| T: C Gordon| OR: 76| D

50/1

Won at Bath last year for Brian Meehan, but has been out of sorts as a rule over hurdles for his current yard. Returns after a break of six months here, and easy enough to omit from calculations.

Form: 661228-

(6)

High Wells^b²³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: S W Kelly| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 76| D

13/2

Consistent dual-purpose handicapper, who looked at least as good as ever when landing a 1¾m handicap at Sandown last month from Mr Chua. Has a career-high mark to defy now, however, and may find a couple too good.

Form: 2147/21

(3)

Coltrane²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: W Buick| T: A M Balding| OR: 80

8/15

Lightly raced colt who improved for the switch to turf when winning a 1½m maiden at Chepstow last time by 3½L from Retrospect. Bred to relish this stiffer test, and likely to be hard to beat off what seems a lenient opening mark.

Form: 241

Forecasts

Coltrane (8/15), Quloob (13/2), High Wells (13/2), Mouriyani (9/1), Dazzling Rock (14/1), Horatio Star (50/1)

Mouriyani and High Wells have been in form, but both have risen to career-high marks as a result, and look vulnerable from a handicapping perspective. COLTRANE, conversely, is totally unexposed as a stayer, and looks very well treated nw tackling a trip he's bred for on handicap debut.