Betway Handicap

Off time: 12:20 | Winning time: 2m 28.50s

(1)

Swiss Vinnare^h¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Nicola Currie⁽⁵⁾| T: P S McEntee| OR: 76| C

11/4

Improved on previous form to win a maiden here at the end of last year, although took plenty of rousting early and may not be straightforward. Regardless, that was over a mile, so taking a big step up in trip here, which asks a new question.

Form: 24531-

(2)

Star Story²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Oisin Murphy| T: R M Beckett| OR: 76| BF

6/4

Stays this trip and should act on the surface, so has those plus points, but twice a beaten favourite at short prices now and clearly not one for the mortgage. Obvious chance again after a solid effort last time, and chances if settling better

Form: 7/24323-

(3)

Bleu Et Noir^h³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: K T O'Neill| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 72

9/2

Another that can race keenly at times, but did little wrong when winning at Wolverhampton (9.5f) in November. Couldn't follow that up on Southwell's Fibresand last time but that can be forgiven, so chances if staying this trip.

Form: 667215-

(5)

Retrieve^b1,t²⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 9-4| J: S Donohoe| T: J Farrelly| OR: 68| C| D

7/2

Clearly nowhere near the force of old, and looked very much on the downgrade for previous yard, but a little better on first run for Johnny Farrelly at Chelmsford last time and this drop back in trip should help. Not out of it if building on that.

Form: 6R0607-

(4)

Turnbury^p⁶⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 8-8| J: Edward Greatrex| T: Mrs N S Evans| OR: 54| CD

25/1

C&D winner if you go back to 2016, but the summer of that year was the last time he won one and the likelihood is that he'll need this after a break. Best watched unless the market says otherwise.

Form: 3D4348

Forecasts

Star Story (6/4), Swiss Vinnare (11/4), Retrieve (7/2), Bleu Et Noir (9/2), Turnbury (25/1)

Despite a couple of reversals, STAR STORY has the form in the bank to win this and won't find many easier opportunities. She may not be one for maximum faith in, but should be capable of winning. Old Retrieve may be the one to give her most to think about, with that last effort a step back in the right direction. Swiss Vinnare has stamina to prove but can go close if it lasts out.