14:50 Ascot

Saturday 13 May 2017

All14:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:10

Carey Group Buckhounds Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 2m 33.38s

(1)

Carntop²³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Fran Berry| T: R M Beckett| OR: 105

11/1

Highly promising start to his career but very disappointing in three starts last year, including a Group 2 effort here when subject to some market support. Well beaten on his final start of the season and doesn't look a straight-forward character but too early to write off just yet and trainer very much capable of readying one after a break.

Form: 31/256-

(5)

Desert Encounter^h²⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: S M Levey| T: D M Simcock| OR: 102

8/1

Completed a four-timer at Windsor last season and not disgraced on two subsequent starts in deeper contests. Versatile ground wise and trainer does well with these types; warrants plenty of respect having won on his seasonal reappearance last year.

Form: 1/11132-

(4)

Fire Fighting^b¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: M Harley| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 106

12/1

A typically consistent, tough sort from this yard with 12 wins to his name. Most effective on faster ground and best efforts have come when allowed to dictate terms on the front end. Not a whole lot of pace in this contest and he has a nice draw to work with so plenty in his favour but any rain would dampen his prospects and not been at his best in four starts this year.

Form: 5-25738

(3)

Knights Table¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: D Allan| T: J Tate| OR: 104

6/1

Easy winner at Ripon last time when a short-priced favourite with Fire Fighting in behind but a 13lb swing in the weights should see them in a more competitive light. Has his first start in Listed company but he's not out of place and he could come on for his most recent effort.

Form: 11926-1

(6)

Muntazah¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 105

6/1

Lightly raced sort who finished a creditable fourth in last year's Dante but perhaps not the easiest to train having been only seen twice since then. Struggled on reappearance and probably best watched for now.

Form: 513/47-5

(10)

Restorer¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: M Dwyer| T: W R Muir| OR: 102

40/1

Won a Listed race at the end of 2015, beating Quarterback by 1½L but had an interrupted career since then and likely to have had his injury issues. Struggled on both starts this season and finished a well beaten last at Sandown when last seen. Opposable from a wide draw.

Form: 3436-98

(2)

Star Storm¹⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: T P Queally| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 107

12/1

Looked unlucky not to get a Listed race in the stewards room at Kempton in November but been disappointing having been well backed on both subsequent starts. Step back down in trip looks like the right move and he won a Group 3 over C&D in 2015 so he's dangerous to rule out, particularly if he gets a fair pace to aim at.

Form: 838274-

(8)

Uae Prince²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 97

9/4

Two wins from four starts and has gone off favourite for every run. Made to work for his win at Ripon last time and will need more than that in this company but should come on for that run and this trainer has won this twice in the last six year.

Form: 316-1

(9)

Wild Hacked²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: M Botti| OR: 106

9/2

Four wins from 12 starts with two coming on the AW and two at Windsor. Finished runner-up behind a well-handicapped rival at Kempton two starts back and gained compensation at Newcastle last time. Should take this step up in class in his stride and he's more consistent than some in here.

Form: 2141-21

Non-Runners

(7)

Baydar¹⁹⁶

Weight: 9-0| Age: 4

T: H Palmer J: Josephine Gordon

Forecasts

Uae Prince (9/4), Wild Hacked (9/2), Knights Table (6/1), Muntazah (6/1), Baydar (7/1), Desert Encounter (8/1), Carntop (11/1), Star Storm (12/1), Fire Fighting (12/1), Restorer (40/1)

A highly competitive affair but with several in here having their first run of the season, it may pay to side with WILD HACKED who has been mightily impressive on the all-weather this season. Fire Fighting is another one who has been kept busy and he may be able to get an uncontested lead so much will depend on Martin Harley getting the fractions right. If they go too quick Star Storm would benefit from a strong pace and he has C&D form in the book.