15:35 Nottingham

Wednesday 9 April 2025

All14:0514:3515:0515:3516:0516:3517:0517:35

Beer Festival 12th April Handicap (Div 1)

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 1m 44.82s

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Selected odds by:

(7)

It's Only Fun⁷^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 9-12| J: O J Orr| T: J Candlish| OR: 67

2/1

10/3, showed much improved form to get off the mark on handicap debut after 6 months off (had breathing operation) in 5-runner event at Musselburgh (9f, good) 7 days ago, leading over 1f out then forging clear. Carries a penalty and likely to prove tough to beat.

Form: 436-1

(9)

Lever Up¹⁵⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Joanna Mason| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 70

13/2

7/1, got back on track when third of 10 in maiden at Musselburgh (7.1f, good to soft) when last seen 5 months ago, finishing strongly having struggled with pace. Makes handicap debut and should have more to offer.

Form: 0403-

(8)

Arcturus Flame^p1¹⁵⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Jason Watson| T: Darryll Holland| OR: 69

16/1

18/1, fared better than previously when fifth of 11 in maiden at Southwell (8.1f) 5 months ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Makes handicap debut.

Form: 405-

(3)

Bear Island¹⁷⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Enzo Crublet⁽³⁾| T: D Menuisier| OR: 69

4/1

Ran to a similar level as on his first 2 starts switched to turf when fourth of 10 in novice at Brighton (8f, heavy, 7/2) when last seen 6 months ago. Likely do better in handicaps so worth a second look on return (has been gelded).

Form: 444-

(2)

Queen Of Good News¹³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Tyler Heard| T: P Owens| OR: 67

22/1

14/1, fared no better than last time upped up in trip when eighth of 9 in nursery at Southwell (8.1f) back in November, slowly away. Hard to see her featuring.

Form: 72208-

(10)

English Lady¹¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: R Havlin| T: D K Ivory| OR: 67

16/1

Had a bit to spare when winning on debut at Chelmsford in November. Failed to progress when fourth of 13 in novice at same course (8f, 9/1) the following month and now sent handicapping.

Form: 14-

(4)

Bownder⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: R Kingscote| T: J G Portman| OR: 66| D

5/1

Latest win at Southwell in September. 7/1, took a step forward when second of 7 in handicap at Lingfield (10f, AW) 8 days ago, clear of rest. Can make presence felt.

Form: 2212-52

(6)

Something Splendid¹⁵⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Callum Hutchinson| T: P W Chapple-Hyam| OR: 66

18/1

33/1, well-held last of 6 in nursery at Newmarket (9f, heavy) when last seen 5 months ago. Was runner-up on penultimate start but watching brief advised on first run for yard after leaving Kevin Philippart De Foy.

Form: 0626-

(1)

Mini Mac¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: K T O'Neill| T: Mrs C A Dunnett| OR: 66

50/1

Winner for George Boughey second time up at Brighton last year. 40/1, back on track on second start for this yard when fourth of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 18 days ago.

Form: 984-704

(5)

Dream Illusion⁴⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 63

17/2

66/1, sixth of 12 in maiden at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 44 days ago, finishing with running left. Makes handicap debut and remains with potential for her top yard.

Form: 756

Forecasts

It's Only Fun (2/1), Bear Island (4/1), Bownder (5/1), Lever Up (13/2), Dream Illusion (17/2), Arcturus Flame (16/1), English Lady (16/1), Something Splendid (18/1), Queen Of Good News (22/1), Mini Mac (50/1)

IT'S ONLY FUN proved a different proposition when making a winning handicap debut at Musselburgh last week and, with further improvement on the cards, Jennie Candlish's charge is fancied to follow up under a penalty at the expense of Dream Illusion, who is better judged on her Newcastle effort having finished with running left last time. Bownder and Lever Up can fight out third.