14:55 Kempton
Monday 25 September 2017
All13:5014:2514:5515:3016:0516:3517:0517:35
Winners Are Welcome At Matchbook Handicap
- 3YO plus  |  Class 4  |  1m 1f 219y  |  Standard / Slow  |  14 Runners  |  Polytrack  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:58Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 2m 2.93s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Would be in with a say on his best form, but top weight looks a tough ask on the basis of his recent performances, especially against some younger, less exposed opponents.
Improved 28lb in the early part of his handicapping career but form has tailed off more recently, and though his performance last time out hinted at a revival he still looks tough to make a case for here.
In fair form so far this year, having won both over this trip and shorter, but finds himself on a career-high mark now, and others look much better treated here.
Has improved this year and established himself as a specialist at this trip, but despite a favourable record on the all-weather he may find himself slightly out of his depth here off his current mark.
Best over further than this and probably the most exposed contender in this field, with first time cheek pieces needing to bring about unlikely improvement in order for him to figure.
Windsor maiden winner in July, not so good on handicap debut since but that wasn't a bad race and there's every chance that he could improve for the experience and with this jockey back in the saddle.
Mostly tame performances so far this year despite having shown promise earlier in his career; a return to his better form needed on Polytrack debut.
On a long enough losing streak since last getting his head in front at this course over two years ago, and is somehow only 5lb lower despite not being in the same form since. More help from the handicapper required.
Recorded a first handicap win two starts ago but failed to build on that at Sandown last time. Best form in smaller fields but jockey booking here is an eye-catching one.
Never quite looked up to making his name in maiden company but much more encouraging efforts in handicaps since. On the same mark as for both of those now and has already shown he handles the surface.
Maiden winner here last December but off since and defying that absence could prove to be a tall order against some much fitter and more experience rivals here.
Went close on handicap at Wolverhampton last time having gotten off the mark at the same venue on his penultimate start. He's up 4lb in a competitive enough race, but should be winning handicaps in the near future after a break.
Lightly-raced sort who has looked too high in the weights since switching to handicap company, and still has stamina to prove over this far.
Generally hasn't looked up to performing at this level in the past and yet to prove his stamina for this trip; others hold much more convincing claims.
Forecasts
Ply (7/4), Asaas (5/1), Intermodal (7/1), Count Montecristo (11/1), Blushing Red (12/1), Exceeding Power (14/1), Fast And Hot (16/1), Biotic (16/1), Diamond Bear (20/1), Dark Titan (25/1), Oasis Spear (25/1), Masterofdiscovery (25/1), Tangramm (33/1), Luv U Whatever (66/1)
This could finally be PLY's moment to get off the mark. Roger Charlton's charge has been much more impressive since switching from maidens, where he was in all likelihood not quite up to the task, to handicaps, and has posted two very good efforts in this sphere so far. Proven on this surface and over this trip he could have further improvement in him but won't need to find too much to hit the frame. Dark Titan should be winning handicaps soon and is another for the shortlist, while Asaas should benefit from his reunion with Silvestre De Sousa.
- Ply
- Dark Titan
- Asaas
Prize Money
1st: £5,175.002nd: £1,540.003rd: £770.004th: £385.00
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