17:30 Chepstow

Thursday 8 August 2024

All17:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:0020:30

Play The Placepot At tote.co.uk Racing League 15 Handicap (Trainers Registered To Racing League)

Off time: 17:42 | Winning time: 1m 34.73s

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(6)

Dutch Decoy⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 87| BF| D

11/4

Reliable performer ran a cracker to fill the runner-up spot in the Golden Mile at Goodwood (8f, firm) for the second year running on Friday. Would've gone closer still with a clearer run there and he has to be respected in these calmer waters.

Form: 080532

(7)

Austrian Theory⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 85| D

9/2

Has edged down the weights for this yard and shaped with plenty of encouragement when fifth at Thirsk (8f, good) 5 days ago, going as close as he could considering luck deserted him in the straight. Leading player.

Form: 45-0365

(1)

Azahara Palace²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: K Stott| T: H Morrison| OR: 80| CD

7/1

Largely progressive last summer, winning 3 times over C&D, and improved again to make a winning reappearance at Leicester (1m, good to soft) in May. Not disgraced despite racing freely both starts and she holds place claims.

Form: 156-186

(8)

Eagle Day¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: J Mitchell| T: P D Evans| OR: 79| D

20/1

Took advantage of a dropping mark when taking 7-runner handicap at Haydock (8f, firm) in June and followed up back on all-weather at Chelmsford (8f) a month later. Lesser effort when down the field at York last time, so a bounce back is called for.

Form: 957110

(5)

Enough Already⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-5| J: D E Sheehy| T: A McGuinness| OR: 78| D

14/1

Won twice at Lingfield last year for Lee Carter and shaped very well on his second start for this yard when a never-nearer fifth of 16 in handicap at Galway (7f, good to soft) 9 days ago, having to pick his way through in a race dominated by those ridden closer to the pace. Player.

Form: 282465

(2)

Youarenotforgiven⁸^{(ex 5)}

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Benoit D L Sayette| T: A W Carroll| OR: 73| D

11/1

Capitalised on his reduced mark in what proved an uncompetitive affair at Leicester (8.2f, good to firm, 6/4) 8 days ago. Respected after that performance but he'll likely need more to defy a penalty in this stronger race.

Form: 7-46831

(4)

Carolus Magnus¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 8-12| J: S H James| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 71| D

11/1

Quirky sort is a long time without a win, though wasn't seen to best effect when ninth of 14 in handicap at Yarmouth (8f, good) 14 days ago, finishing with running left from rear. On a good mark if able to put it all together but clearly comes with risks attached.

Form: 0-86609

(10)

Great Acclaim¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 76| D

10/1

Improved when winning at Windsor in May before following up at Newbury in June. Creditable effort when third at Salisbury (8f, good to firm) 15 days ago but current mark seems to have him about right.

Form: 331163

(11)

Lady Flora¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 74| CD

9/2

Progressed to get off the mark in really good style in a 6-runner handicap (9/2) at this C&D (good to firm) 13 days ago, travelling well before quickening clear 1f out. Highly respected again despite 7 lb rise.

Form: 534341

(9)

Rainwater^p¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-4| J: Cam Hardie| T: R A Fahey| OR: 70

40/1

Made more impact when second of 12 in handicap at Chester (7.6f, good) 12 days ago, forcing the pace until being collared inside the final 1f. This is tougher.

Form: 2-44672

Non-Runners

(3)

Bennetot¹²

Weight: 9-11| Age: 5

T: D O'Meara J: Billy Loughnane

Forecasts

Dutch Decoy (11/4), Lady Flora (9/2), Austrian Theory (9/2), Azahara Palace (7/1), Great Acclaim (10/1), Youarenotforgiven (11/1), Carolus Magnus (11/1), Bennetot (12/1), Enough Already (14/1), Eagle Day (20/1), Rainwater (40/1)

DUTCH DECOY went close in one of the season's leading 1m handicaps last week and Charlie Johnston's consistent gelding tops the shortlist after such a pleasing effort. Austrian Theory and Enough Already both shaped really well without getting everything fall their way last time and also make the shortlist, whilst Andrew Balding's unexposed 3-y-o Lady Flora also has to be considered.