32Red.com Handicap

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 1m 29.25s

(4)

Papa Stour⁵^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 74| BF| D

1/2

Given his pedigree he ought to be able to act on this surface and showed much more on his second run for this yard over 7f at Wolverhampton winning by 4L quickening clear easily. Looks as though he's clicked into gear and of interest under a 6lb penalty for a stable that do well here.

Form: 7947-1

(3)

Pastamakesufaster¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Fran Berry| T: P D Evans| OR: 77| D

33/1

Still has just one standout effort to her name which came in a Class 2 event at Goodwood over 7f last year. Ran a little bit better when last seen but still looked below form despite having the run of the race and makes her Fibresand debut here; sire has a decent record on the surface.

Form: 646175-

(5)

Hard Graft¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: A Mullen| T: D H Brown| OR: 76| C

11/2

Proved a very different proposition to the one previously seen when well backed over 6f here in December. Takes a step up in not only trip but class also but does have a useful pedigree and may well be capable of more given how he took to this surface.

Form: 545701-

(1)

Sheriff³^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: L Morris| T: M L W Bell| OR: 69

4/1

Very much showed improved and progressive form when taking a Kempton handicap over a mile off a mark of 69. Carries a 6lb penalty now for that win but that looks unlikely to stop him although this will be his first start on Fibresand (sire has a 5/59 record here).

Form: 6065-1

(2)

Helen Sherbet⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke| OR: 67| C

25/1

The most experienced runner on this surface having won on Fibresand on her first start here sticking in well over 6f having run in snatches. Has made heavy weather of two subsequent starts here although that may have something to do with the 6f trip; now tries 7f here for the first time.

Form: 66715-3

Forecasts

Papa Stour (1/2), Sheriff (4/1), Hard Graft (11/2), Helen Sherbet (25/1), Pastamakesufaster (33/1)

There look to be one or two progressive types in this although Fibresand form is rather thin on the ground. Hard Graft has already experienced this surface and showed a good deal of improvement to land a gamble when winning here last time out. Raised 7lb for that win he now steps up to 7f and will need to find some further improvement. PAPA STOUR looks as though he’s really found his stride now and from a stable that do well here he’s given a real chance of following up his Wolverhampton victory under a 6lb penalty. Sheriff is another progressive sort who has yet to run here but won impressively last time out with the pedigree giving hope that he will handle this surface. Helen Sherbet has a 153 form line here but tries 7f for the first time here and needs to progress again although he experience of this surface will prove useful.