16:40 Beverley

Thursday 17 August 2017

All14:1014:4015:1015:4016:1016:4017:1017:40

Barbara's Special Birthday Year Handicap

Off time: 16:41 | Winning time: 3m 42.36s

(4)

Taper Tantrum^p⁶¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Louis Steward| T: M L W Bell| OR: 79| D

13/2

Not won on the Flat since 2014 but recorded a couple of hurdles successes towards the end of last year and nearly got back on track when a narrow runner-up at Sandown last month. Type to do better as he gets older and trainer has a good record with his stayers; another with claims

Form: 53-5722

(2)

Saved By The Bell^v¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: D Nolan| T: D O'Meara| OR: 75

16/1

Without a win in two years and has developed a worrying trait of hanging left under pressure. Failed to back up a Yarmouth second when last of seven at York and possible the quicker ground here will convince him to turn in a better display.

Form: 807727

(9)

Bulas Belle⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: G Lee| T: Grant Tuer| OR: 73| BF| D

7/1

Looked to be on her way back to form when third at Catterick last week and the extra yards here will help. Well handicapped on her best form and one who commands respect.

Form: 6570-53

(6)

Maghfoor⁸⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: J Quinn| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 85

9/4

Maiden form stands up to scrutiny and suggests he is up to winning handicaps off this mark. Disappointing on his first run in a handicap and an eleven week break suggests something may have been amiss. Up considerably in trip but well supported last week for a stronger race than this before being withdrawn.

Form: 2-219

(1)

Royal Flag¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 8-11| J: T Eaves| T: B Ellison| OR: 68| D

14/1

Winner over 1m4f off 1lb lower in April and has struggled off revised marks since. This looks more realistic and successful over this trip at Newcastle in 2016.

Form: 165337

(8)

Attention Seaker^t⁹^{(ex 6)}

Age: 7| Weight: 8-9| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 60| CD

3/1

Bounced back from some mediocre runs to score at Catterick in a first-time tongue-tie which is retained. Has more to under a penalty in a much stronger race.

Form: 8034/41

(3)

Cray^p¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: P J McDonald| T: J D Bethell| OR: 74

7/2

Winner at Wetherby (1m6f) in May and efforts since suggest that the handicapper has his measure for now. Goes well for this rider.

Form: 316266

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to board prices only - deduction 5p in the pound

Non-Runners

(7)

Vercingetorix¹⁹

Weight: 9-4| Age: 6

T: I Jardine J: Jamie Gormley

(5)

Bourne⁷⁸

Weight: 9-1| Age: 11

T: D McCain Jnr J: A Mullen

Forecasts

Maghfoor (9/4), Attention Seaker (3/1), Cray (7/2), Taper Tantrum (13/2), Bulas Belle (7/1), Vercingetorix (7/1), Bourne (10/1), Royal Flag (14/1), Saved By The Bell (16/1)

MAGHFOOR carries a risk over this trip given his pedigree. However, there was significant support for him in the early market for a stronger race at Kempton last week and that makes his presence here intriguing. His maiden form indicates he is much better than his last run indicates and he is given a chance to redeem himself. Bula's Belle and Royal Flag are on good marks for their return to this trip and Taper Tantrum represents a yard who do well around here. Vercingetorix has been rejuvenated by his handler. He drops in class following a shallow effort last time and ought to be more competitive this time.