17:25 Brighton

Monday 11 September 2017

All14:2514:5515:2515:5516:2516:5517:25

Santa Fun Run 25 Nov Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 17:26 | Winning time: 1m 38.95s

(1)

Papou Tony²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: H Crouch| T: George Baker| OR: 61| D

10/3

Never yet won on turf but has bits and bobs of form that say he can take a hand at this level. Form of his latest start (over C&D) leaves him with a bit to prove but this is a very weak event and he can still make a bold bid under top weight.

Form: 011303

(7)

Nonno Giulio^b⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-11| J: Nicola Currie⁽⁷⁾| T: C R Dore| OR: 58| D

6/1

Best form posted on the straight dash for the line at Redcar and while he might like the sea air, he does have something to prove on a more unconventional track on turf. Very well handicapped and acts with give underfoot, so worth a betting check.

Form: 887304

(3)

Intimately²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: George Wood| T: J G Portman| OR: 57

7/1

Two of his three wins have come with some give underfoot but has a bit to prove on these terms as he is currently 1lb higher than his last winning mark. Not without claims but needs everything to go his way.

Form: 553940

(9)

Rolling Dice^v1²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: Callum Shepherd| T: D J S Ffrench Davis| OR: 57| D

6/1

Missed a couple of years and five starts this terms have hardly been inspiring. Very well handicapped but only the very loyal would suggest he is still the force he might have been.

Form: 013/709

(8)

World Record²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: K Shoemark| T: M Quinn| OR: 57| CD

11/4

Likes to make the running and did so in style when winning this race last year from the same mark. Obvious claims on a literal reading of that effort and claims boosted by a solid performance last time out. Good chance of following up.

Form: 145-292

(6)

The Firm^b²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: Gina Mangan⁽⁷⁾| T: J R Jenkins| OR: 55| D

25/1

Claims on the best of his AW form but has never won on turf and looks a risky option despite posting a reasonable effort at Yarmouth last month. Others more appelaing.

Form: 870736

(10)

Ede's The Mover⁵³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Paddy Bradley⁽³⁾| T: P Phelan| OR: 52

10/1

Yet to win in nine starts so far on both turf and the AW and opposable on the balance of recent evidence (last at Epsom latest). Needs relief from the handicapper.

Form: 69-8356

(5)

Megalala⁴⁴

Age: 16| Weight: 8-13| J: Mitch Godwin⁽³⁾| T: J J Bridger| OR: 46| C

20/1

Last won on turf in October 2015 and his recent profile suggests his best days are well and truly behind him. It's hard to see him adding to his tally of wins.

Form: 0-68506

(4)

Port Lairge^b²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 8-12| J: Phil Dennis| T: M C Chapman| OR: 45| C

10/1

Four-time winner at this course but never over a mile and recent form on the Flat and no better over hurdles. On a career low mark and probably safe to look elsewhere for the winner.

Form: 096580

Non-Runners

(2)

Spiritual Star²⁵

Weight: 9-12| Age: 8

T: L Carter J: Charlie Bennett

Forecasts

World Record (11/4), Papou Tony (10/3), Rolling Dice (6/1), Nonno Giulio (6/1), Intimately (7/1), Spiritual Star (7/1), Port Lairge (10/1), Ede's The Mover (10/1), Megalala (20/1), The Firm (25/1)

Everything looks to be in place for a bold run from last year's winner WORLD RECORD, who might run with the choke out on occasions but could easily slip loose from this modest bunch of rivals. Papou Tony is capable at this level and should have benefited from a couple of recent spins, he would be dangerous to underestimate despite having never yet won on turf. Strong cases can also be made for Nonno Giulio and Intimately at this level and both are worth noting in the betting.