16:20 Ascot

Friday 6 October 2017

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:55

Troy Asset Management Handicap

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 1m 29.79s

(5)

Graphite Storm²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox| OR: 94| D

3/1

Ground should once again be ideal for this improving sort that won with plenty in hand at Leicester last time out, and has already gone close at Ascot (in May) so easier track no issue either. Has to be a big player again.

Form: 627521

(4)

Mukalal⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Jim Crowley| T: M P Tregoning| OR: 93

9/2

Possibly has his quirks but seemed to run no worse for the drop back to 7f last time and may be able to get his own way in front here. Tends to drift under pressure but chances if allowed to dominate this contest.

Form: 511244

(8)

Sea Fox^t¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Fran Berry| T: P D Evans| OR: 89

25/1

Mark is falling fast after a series of below-par efforts and it's hard to have much faith in him after finishing well beaten at Newbury a fortnight ago. Makes little appeal in present frame of mind.

Form: 466678

(2)

Medici Banchiere²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: C Lee⁽³⁾| T: K R Burke| OR: 88

16/1

Didn't really finish his race off with any great gusto at Doncaster last time and runs this season have become progressively worse. Needs to bounce back to best, but that looks unlikely here.

Form: 60-7036

(6)

Tribute Act⁶⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: George Wood⁽³⁾| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 87| BF| D

9/2

Had looked progressive in the summer but threw in a bad one at Goodwood when last seen, appearing not to handle the track at all. Back on a flatter track here, which will help, and previous form solid. Not ruled out.

Form: 1-4110

(1)

Berkshire Boy^b¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 87| D

5/1

Refound some form when winning at Chepstow last time out, but was entitled to win that on the figures and will find this harder from a 5lb higher mark. Is at least in good heart though, but on balance, others make a bit more appeal.

Form: 0-24471

(7)

Bengal Lancer²³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Manuel Fernandes⁽⁵⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 86| D

7/2

Progressed well all season and no disgrace when winning run came to an end at Doncaster last time out (winner improving very quickly). Still looks green in his races and may have more to offer. Has to be taken seriously again.

Form: 3-42112

(3)

Maths Prize^p²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: K Shoemark| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 86| D

20/1

Has been quite highly tried this year but in truth, his runs have been a little below par and he's looking quite exposed now. Others are improving quicker than he is, and he looks an unlikely winner here.

Form: 3-50344

Forecasts

Graphite Storm (3/1), Bengal Lancer (7/2), Mukalal (9/2), Tribute Act (9/2), Berkshire Boy (5/1), Medici Banchiere (16/1), Maths Prize (20/1), Sea Fox (25/1)

He looks like he might have his own ideas about things but if Jim Crowley can get the fractions right on MUKALAL he could be hard to pass. Graphite Storm continues to go the right way and may prove the biggest danger. Bengal Lancer has the services of the excellent Manuel Fernandes and can take some prizemoney home too.