![](https://myracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RP_ID00435588-scaled-e1675611330494.jpg)
This is a Class 6 handicap raced over 1m 2f, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.
IN SUMMARY: Free Forum is the obvious one in this carrying a 6lb penalty following a successful run on handicap debut. However, it could pay to take him on with AV A WORD who remains just 4lbs higher for a C&D success back in June. He ran no sort of race last time out but he’s better than he showed that day and he can prove that here.
2 FREE FORUM – David Simcock’s runner won on handicap debut at Yarmouth last time out off a mark of 58 having been well-supported in the betting. He races with a 6lb penalty today which could leave him well-treated still and the booking of Jamie Spencer is obviously eye-catching at this track. The yard have been going well of late (15% strike rate) and he’s likely to be popular here with good reason.
3 AV A WORD – Something didn’t look quite right about Daniel Kubler’s runner at Bath last time out, running no sort of race to finish sixth of eight, beaten 15 lengths. He could be dangerous here if he can put that run behind him having won over C&D off a 4lb lower mark back in June and the booking of Silvestre De Sousa is an obvious positive. Should go well today if he can overcome that poor run last time out.
4 CELTIK SECRET – Hughie Morrison’s filly makes her handicap debut today down in grade off a mark of 61. She was well-held in three maidens which were of a relatively good standard for this level, racing at Goodwood and Salisbury most recently. Much more will be needed to score today and she’s untried on this faster ground. Would only be of interest with strong market support.
5 FAMOUS DYNASTY – The yard have yet to send out a winner at this track from 23 runners and that record doesn’t look set to be improved today. His runner has been well-supported on his last two starts and having been raised 4lbs for a placed effort, he could finish no closer than 13 lengths to the winner last time out. He’s been left on the same mark today and will need major improvement to come home in-front. He will enjoy this faster ground though.
6 ZOFFANIST – Amanda Perrett’s runner is tried in first-time cheekpieces today having been well-held on his last two starts. The blinkers didn’t have the desired effect at Salisbury last time out but he’s dropped in grade today and he’s down 2lbs so there are reasons to be believe a better showing could be on the cards today. The drop back in trip is positive and he’s one to keep onside.
7 LADY KAVIAR – George Margarson’s Lope De Vega filly has been comfortably held in all five starts to date. She’s been dropped a further 4lbs following a 9-length defeat at Yarmouth last time out and connections will be hopeful that will inspire improvement today given he races over the same trip in similar ground. The stable have a 15% strike rate at Brighton.
8 KINGS CITY – Luca Cumani’s Rock Of Gibraltar gelding is an interesting sort making his handicap debut today. He has been beaten a fair way in three maidens to date but this yard brings their horses along slowly and the first time cheekpieces could spark some improvement today. The booking of Pat Cosgrave looks particularly positive and he could well improve on what he’s shown to date. The yard have an excellent 39% strike rate at the track.
1 BERMONDSEY BELLE – Lucy Wadham’s filly struggled when entered into handicap company last time out, finishing sixth of nine, beaten 17 lengths. She’s only been dropped a pound for that effort which may not leave her with much to work with here. This is a weaker race though and she was well-supported last time out suggesting a better showing was expected.