A total prize-fund of £19,000 has attracted some talented animals to contest this 7f handicap and it is a very interesting betting heat. Read on to see our tip, runner by runner guide and full betting preview.
IN SUMMARY: Kadrizzi comes into the equation on his first start at 7f having previously looked like a horse who should stay this far, but a watching brief might be the best approach for the moment until his stamina is conclusively proven. Instead, preference is for ANGELIC LORD now that Tom Dascombe’s charge runs in a race that promises to contain a decent pace. That wasn’t on offer at Newcastle last time when he finished behind Horsted Keynes but this track might suit better in any regard. He’s very well handicapped off 95 and will go well, whilst Shyron can outrun his price if taking to a first time visor. The risk is whether he will enjoy it.
KADRIZZI – Proved to be a very progressive performer during last winter, winning twice in small field events around here (5f, Std) and at Chelmsford (5f, Std) before grabbing third on All-Weather Championships day in the 3-year-old sprint (also here over 5f). Subsequently stepped up to 6f on turf and won a nice pot in August in the Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot (6f, Good To Firm). After that, trainer Dean Ivory said “he’s a horse who lacks a bit of early toe but he makes up for it at the end and the stiff finish helped. I never thought of him as just an all-weather horse and he´s proved me right. He´ll go up to 7f next time”. They didn’t go up in trip since but get the chance to do so now and it’s an interesting move for one who is so often very strong at the end of his races. He will improve for his recent run here (6f, Std) and is one for the shortlist at worst.
BARAWEEZ – Talented animal who has won 3 valuable handicaps in his career, the latest being in Ireland at the Galway festival in August 2015 off a mark of 99 (7f, Soft). Found himself in the grip of the handicapper last year, running a number of good races but being unable to bridge the gap needed to take another step forward. Has been eased in the weights to a rating of 100 and that will make life easier, but lines up here for the first time in 167 days and is entitled to need the outing. Disappointed on his sole All-Weather start also.
ANGELIC LORD – Lightly-raced 5-year-old who had looked very useful as a juvenile in 2014 and has shaped with some promise on both starts this winter, firstly when beaten 3 lengths at Wolverhampton (6f, Std) over a trip too short and then when 4 lengths behind Suzi’s Connoisseur at Newcastle (7f, Std) in a comical event where they went no gallop at the front end of the field. Dropped another 2lbs to a mark of 95 and having previously been rated a lofty 108, it’s easy to suggest that Tom Dascombe’s 5-year-old is well-treated these days. His draw shouldn’t be a problem and he has run well over C&D when second in a Listed race as a 3yo. A place on the shortlist is also merited and a step forward in his form can be expected.
INTRANSIGENT – In great form lately and ran an solid race when second behind My Target here (1m, Std) a few weeks ago, moving well for some time before ultimately finding the trip too demanding on his stamina reserves. Will appreciate returning to this specialist trip of 7f and had won a decent contest at Kempton in January over it, his first win in over 2 years. Only 3lbs higher in the weights now and entitled to respect as an in-form contender, but his price is far too short and makes it easy to look elsewhere.
HORSTED KEYNES – Finished ahead of Angelic Lord last time at Newcastle (7f) when seeming to cope with the lack of pace better than would have been expected by a horse who does like to be waited with towards the rear. Only put up 1lb there and far from handicapped out of the equation off a mark of 90, but does seem to find winning difficult and 7f at this track might be on the sharp side for him. Definitely has the raw ability required to go close to winning but circumstance might get in the way and that is rather off-putting.
SUQOOR – Had been out of form but showed that the fire still burns when third of 7 here over 6f a couple of weeks ago, flashing home to be beaten little more than a length. The headgear is retained and as a former C&D winner who has achieved both career wins at 7f, stepping back up in distance is a very positive point. Silvestre De Sousa being booked is another notable aspect as he and trainer Chris Dwyer are 32-145 (22% Strike Rate) when teaming up and show a Level Stakes Profit of +46.84. Being drawn widest of all in stall 9 is the negative and the horse might have a better chance when dropped in grade to tackle easier company.
SHYRON – 3 time C&D winner and wasn’t disgraced here last week when seventh of 12 behind Take The Helm in a race where he needed them to go much quicker up front. It’s interesting to see connections reaching for a first-time visor and that could bring about improvement in this lazy horse if he takes to it, but therein lies the question as he might not. The likelihood is that Class 2 company will be beyond him in his current form as well and place claims are about the best that could be hoped for this time around.
PEARL SPECTRE – Capable performer on a going day and has slipped to a mark 1lb lower the one he defied at Chelmsford (7f, Std) in November, but has failed to reach that sort of level since and should have next to no chance of making an imprint in this. Indeed, hasn’t scored above Class 4 grade since his juvenile days and will be of more interest when taking on lesser handicappers.
SWISS CROSS – Stablemate of Pearl Spectre and should have next to no chance of winning the race either, being a 10-year-old who is 3lbs out of the weights. Was in great form between October & December when winning 4 of 5 starts but all of them were at a much lower level than this and he’s the outsider for a reason.