16:55 Catterick

Saturday 21 October 2023

All13:4514:2015:0015:4016:2016:5517:30

Darweners Celebration Handicap

Off time: 16:56 | Winning time: 2m 52.79s

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Selected odds by:

(2)

Matchless^p³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Lewis Edmunds| T: J Candlish| OR: 85| C| D

10/3

Latest win at Doncaster in May. Creditable third of 9 in handicap back at that venue (11.9f, good to soft, 18/1) 37 days ago, having been able to bag an uncontested lead. Dangerous if getting his own way on the front end again.

Form: 130973

(7)

Quantum Leap^t¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-1| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: E Bethell| OR: 84| BF| D

11/2

Unreliable sort who doubled career tally at Haydock (14f) in July but hasn't convinced in trio of starts since, again slowly into stride when fifth of 10 in handicap at Redcar (14f) 2 weeks ago. Capable but one to treat with a degree of caution on balance.

Form: 1-71765

(5)

Dark Jedi^p²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 80| BF| D

10/1

Thirteen runs since last win in 2022. 9/4, fourth of 6 in handicap at Haydock (14f, heavy) 21 days ago, shaken up under 4f out and soon beaten. Operating from a dangerous mark if he can put it all together.

Form: 485844

(6)

Detective²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: G Lee| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer| OR: 78

66/1

Twelve runs since last win in 2022. 11/2, fourth of 5 in handicap at Hamilton (12.1f, good to soft) 26 days ago, left poorly placed in a modestly-run affair. Largely held form well in recent months but others appeal more for win purposes.

Form: 333424

(4)

Flash Bardot²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: George Bass⁽³⁾| T: J Channon| OR: 78| D

5/2

Consistent filly who seemed to revel underfoot conditions when bagging third success of the year at Newbury (12f, heavy) 29 days ago. 4 lb higher mark shouldn't inconvenience her on that evidence and any further easing of the ground will aid her cause. Player.

Form: 123381

(3)

Valley Of Flowers^h⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Joanna Mason| T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward| OR: 71| CD

9/4

Thriving mare who completed a quick-fire hat-trick (all under this rider) with any amount in hand upped to 2m at Newcastle 8 days ago, leading on bridle over 1f out and hard held. Drop back in trip will hold no fears and sound claims despite the rise in class.

Form: 234111

(1)

Libby²⁰⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: A Mullen| T: R Menzies| OR: 70

50/1

Fair maiden in this sphere (stays 12f) and similar form without getting her head in front over hurdles for Joseph O'Brien last season. Betting should prove a useful guide returned to the level/following 6 months off for new yard.

Form: 56/3773-

Forecasts

Valley Of Flowers (9/4), Flash Bardot (5/2), Matchless (10/3), Quantum Leap (11/2), Dark Jedi (10/1), Libby (50/1), Detective (66/1)

VALLEY OF FLOWERS has thrived in recent weeks, bringing up the hat-trick (all under Jo Mason) with any amount to spare over further at Newcastle 8 days ago. With the drop back in trip holding no fears (C&D winner), she can make a bold bid to bring up the 4-timer. Flash Bardot rates the chief threat, ahead of Dark Jedi.