18:05 Brighton
Saturday 15 April 2017
All16:3517:0517:3518:0518:3519:0519:35
Weatherbys Bank Handicap
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 1m 1f 209y | Good to Firm | 9 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 18:06 | Winning time: 2m 4.15s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Yet to win off a mark in the 80s but has been competitive in the face of similar tasks in the past. Came to hand early last season and ran well following a break at Kempton two weeks ago. Others look more leniently treated in this.
Winner at Lingfield on New Year's Eve and the occasional good run in defeat since has made it difficult for the handicapper to relinquish his hold. Had a lot of use made of him when stepped up to 1m4f last time and today's trip may be the answer. Rider 23-101 for the yard and a 16 point profit.
Made all to win four races last term and improve his rating from a mark of 65 up to 80. Finished last of six having dictated a steady gallop last time. Now down to his last winning mark but hard to fancy judged on his recent efforts.
It has taken 13 months for him to drop to his last winning mark. Jockey booking is positive and he appeared to be coming to hand last time. Likes to be held up off a strong pace and is likely to get that here.
Dual winner for Aidan O'Brien who contested the 2015 Grand Prix de Paris. Has been on a steep downward spiral since but there were signs last time he may be finding his level.
Made all to score over this trip last year but more recently he has been held up over shorter. There should be a good gallop in this which will help him settle so one for the shortlist. Yard are 9-34 at this venue.
Landed an apprentice race under today's rider when stepped up to this trip two weeks ago. Hit with a 5lb rise but still looks competitive based on last year's form.
Third of four in a bad maiden last time and the handicapper has erred on the side of caution. Has not looked an easy ride and his young rider has his work cut out on these undulations.
Has not won since making a successful debut in 2014. Ran well in defeat over this trip at Chelmsford behind a well handicapped rival but has not backed that up in two runs since. Poor at Southwell last time on his first run on that surface. The cheekpieces worn at Chelmsford were removed then and again here.
Forecasts
Boycie (7/2), Craftsmanship (5/1), Byres Road (5/1), King of Dreams (5/1), Aldeburgh (8/1), Mornington (9/1), Glenalmond (10/1), Archangel Raphael (10/1), Inniscastle Lad (11/1)
Byres Road and Inniscastle Lad are two front runners who may set this up nicely for some of their rivals. CRAFTMANSHIP definitely comes into this category and he appeared to be coming to hand on the AW last time. He has been slow to come down the weights but has finally dropped to his last winning mark now and has conditions to suit. King Of Dreams and Archangel Raphael are others who will appreciate having something to aim at and both make some appeal at the weights. A bigger danger may come from Boycie who beat a big field at Doncaster two weeks ago. Richard Hannon's charge was trying this trip for the first time and took advantage of a good mark. The handicapper has had his say but he remains just 1lb above the mark from which he scored at Chepstow last season.
- Craftsmanship
- Boycie
- King of Dreams
Prize Money
1st: £4,787.002nd: £1,424.003rd: £712.004th: £356.00
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