14:05 Newbury

Saturday 23 September 2023

All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:00

Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 3m 3.29s

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Selected odds by:

(4)

Not So Sleepy¹⁹³

Age: 11| Weight: 9-12| J: Oisin Murphy| T: H Morrison| OR: 98

15/2

Useful dual-purpose performer who was third in the Cesarewitch (18f) when last seen on the Flat nearly a year ago, making the frame for the third time in the race. However, well held over hurdles on his last 2 starts and will need to return at his best after 6 months off.

Form: 472/953-

(2)

Salt Bay⁶⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-12| J: Hector Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 105

9/2

Won 1m Haydock maiden on his debut before taking a big step forward when third in Criterium International at Saint-Cloud next time. Hasn't gone on as hoped in a pair of listed races this year, but it remains early days so he could yet do better as he goes up in distance.

Form: 13-74

(3)

Get Shirty^t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: K Stott| T: D O'Meara| OR: 97

7/1

Enjoyed an excellent 2022, including wins in Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot and Old Newton Cup at Haydock. However, after a spell in Meydan earlier this year he has yet to hit top form back in Britain. Dropping in the weights but others preferred.

Form: 699507

(7)

Sea King¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: S W Kelly| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 94

5/1

Remains lightly raced for his age and ran up to his best when winning at Goodwood (12f) in August, ridden more positively. Well backed on his next outing but raced too freely at Haydock (14f) last time. No surprise to see him get back on track.

Form: 4D7-210

(1)

Valsad¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 91

3/1

After 3 months off from his disappointing reappearance, resumed his progress when second at this course (12f) in August before going one better at Southwell 10 days ago. Could still have more to offer back up in trip and he's a major player.

Form: 143-621

(6)

Oneforthegutter⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R Kingscote| T: Ian Williams| OR: 89

11/2

Won for the first time since debut when successful at Ascot (12f) in July, suited by the step up in trip, but below form in cheekpieces on his next 2 starts. However, with the headgear left off he was only narrowly denied in the Mallard at Doncaster (14.5f) 8 days ago. Respected.

Form: 881662

(5)

Laafi^t⁹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 95

15/2

Left debut form well behind when landing a Nottingham maiden (8.3f) last autumn. Made a promising reappearance when fourth in Lingfield Derby Trial (12f), but finished down the field on handicap debut at Royal Ascot when last seen (gelded since). Needs to get back on the up.

Form: 51-40

Forecasts

Valsad (3/1), Salt Bay (9/2), Sea King (5/1), Oneforthegutter (11/2), Get Shirty (7/1), Not So Sleepy (15/2), Laafi (15/2)

VALSAD has shown improved form on his last 2 starts, getting back to winning ways at Southwell 10 days ago, and he remains lightly raced at this sort of trip. The 4-y-o is taken to see off the challenge of Oneforthegutter, who produced his best effort of the season when runner-up at Doncaster last time. Sea King also merits consideration.