14:40 York

Friday 14 July 2017

All14:0514:4015:1515:4516:2016:5517:30

Unibet Handicap

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 2m 30.77s

(6)

Mainstream^h²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: S Donohoe| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 98

7/2

Has proven a little hard to win with lately, but has run in some good races, including when beaten only 2¾L by subsequent Coronation Cup second Frontiersman at Newmarket in May. Trip and ground both fine and he has leading claims for a top trainer of older horses.

Form: 3222-36

(2)

Lustrous Light²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: P J Dobbs| T: R M Beckett| OR: 98| D

6/1

Hasn't been particularly impressive since switching to this yard from Ger Lyons, but was only a head behind Mainstream at Royal Ascot in the Duke of Edinburgh, and they each remain on the same marks today.

Form: 15-5407

(5)

Oasis Fantasy²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-11| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 95| D

6/1

Last win came in a similar race to this at Newmarket last May off a 6lb lower before he went on to run creditably in the John Smith's Cup. Has it all to do now though on the basis of his current mark and recent form.

Form: 09-8530

(3)

Azari¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: R Kingscote| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 93| D

4/1

Has run well over C&D the last twice, being denied by only a neck last time out. This looks tougher, but he has been improving recently and another bold bid looks likely.

Form: 815-132

(1)

Beardwood^p⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 88

8/1

Steps up in trip having been beaten by only a neck at Sandown last time (1m2f, good to firm). Hasn't exactly looked like he requires the extra distance in his recent races, but he has also been unlucky on a few occasions, and so he could get involved if proving he stays.

Form: 053442

(7)

Night Of Glory²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Joshua Bryan⁽⁵⁾| T: A M Balding| OR: 98

11/4

Makes his handicap debut having failed to land a blow in Group 2 company at Royal Ascot last time out. This mark could prove a little high on that basis, but it will be interesting to see how he fares going for this trainer for the first time.

Form: 2140

(8)

Mukhayyam^p¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 83| BF| D

14/1

Well beaten favourite at Carlisle last time out and has consistently not looked up to the standard of lesser races than this. Easily discounted up against some far classier rivals.

Form: 670220

Non-Runners

(4)

Good Omen²²

Weight: 8-11| Age: 3

T: D M Simcock J: T Eaves

Forecasts

Night Of Glory (11/4), Mainstream (7/2), Azari (4/1), Lustrous Light (6/1), Oasis Fantasy (6/1), Beardwood (8/1), Good Omen (8/1), Mukhayyam (14/1)

If able to take the form of his third to Frontiersman at Newmarket in May at all seriously, then this should be relatively straightforward for MAINSTREAM. He has been very good at just coming up short in his races recently, but equally the feeling is that he has to get his head in front again sooner or later, and this easier race could prove the perfect opportunity. Lustrous Light was only a head behind the selection at the Royal meeting and could fill that place again, while Beardwood is an interesting contender if proving his stays this trip.