CNG Handicap

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 3m 9.42s

(4)

Be Perfect^p¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-3| J: J P Sullivan| T: Mrs R Carr| OR: 86| CD

12/1

Goes very well here, winning three of his four starts, and although mainly campaigned at slightly shorter, does stay this trip. Hard to predict when he's going to strike, and cut in the ground would be a negative, so on those scores, others preferred today.

Form: 189014

(2)

Pumblechook¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 83

11/4

Won a couple of class 5 events in June but lesser efforts since being raised in grade. Will find this easier though, and did run a bit better than finishing position suggests at Newbury last time (didn't stay extended trip) so a return to winning form not ruled out.

Form: 331174

(6)

Tenzing Norgay^b1¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Ryan Powell| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 83

11/4

Two solid efforts since coming back off a break, going close here (over 2m) in July and then staying on to grab third at Sandown last time. Will need to be ridden positively as he's a little short of pace, but should be spot on now, and looks a big player here.

Form: 1513-33

(1)

Itlaaq^p,t¹⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 9-4| J: Harrison Shaw⁽⁷⁾| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 73

16/1

Veteran that's a bit in-and-out, but one of his better efforts at Ayr last time, not beaten far despite only beating one home. However, best form comes at shorter and record at this trip not great, so easy enough to look elsewhere for the winner.

Form: 082465

(5)

Bulas Belle¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: G Lee| T: Grant Tuer| OR: 73| CD

11/4

Twice a winner here (from seven starts) and now a pound lower than last winning mark, so has that going for her, and will strip fitter for her recent comeback effort at York. Looks one of the major players if coming on for that, and Graham Lee flying at present too.

Form: 26570-5

(3)

Ingleby Hollow^p¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: P Makin| T: D O'Meara| OR: 68

11/2

Looked on the way back to form when third at Redcar latest, and mark has already fallen far enough this season for him to be given a chance here, but may be happier on stiffer tracks and this looks a hot little contest. Not ruled out but others preferred.

Form: 39-8563

Forecasts

Pumblechook (11/4), Bulas Belle (11/4), Tenzing Norgay (11/4), Ingleby Hollow (11/2), Be Perfect (12/1), Itlaaq (16/1)

With a decent pace assured despite the small field, it could play into the hands of TENZING NORGAY, who won't mind a bit of cut and gives the impression he's keeping a bit back for himself. The change of headgear might work the oracle and this looks slightly easier than the Sandown contest he raced in last time. Bulas Belle might have a bit of company from Ingleby Hollow up front but still looks the danger. Pumblechook takes a drop in grade too and can't be discounted.