32Red.com Handicap

Off time: 17:00 | Winning time: 1m 30.42s

(4)

New Empire^b⁵⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: R Havlin| T: P W Chapple-Hyam| OR: 74

7/2

An eight race maiden, but a gelding who has generally kicked about in stronger company than this during his career. No joy on his AW debut at Wolverhampton in November (7f), and eased 3lb accordingly.

Form: 002375-

(1)

Kikini Bamalaam⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: P Mulrennan| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 66| D

7/2

Found plenty for pressure when taking a couple of 7f nurseries at Musselburgh during August 2017, but nowhere near that form in three starts on synthetics. Tailed off over C&D last Thursday.

Form: 11485-5

(2)

Bad Dog^v⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: J P Sullivan| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 58

9/4

An eight race maiden who produced a career best effort when beaten 2¾L by Roseau City at Chelmsford in mid December (7f), but more moderate off this mark since and 2+L to find (on 6lb better terms) with Elixsoft.

Form: 6983-74

(3)

Elixsoft⁹^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: B A Curtis| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 52| D

2/1

Impossible to recommend prior to her latest start at Wolverhampton, but she took a massive leap forward when springing a 25/1 shock. Had the run of the race there (led), and 6lb worse off with Bad Dog (fourth) for 2+L under a penalty.

Form: 00790-1

Forecasts

Elixsoft (2/1), Bad Dog (9/4), New Empire (7/2), Kikini Bamalaam (7/2)

A poor turnout numerically, with Bad Dog and Elixsoft closely matched on their Wolverhampton clash last week. If anything, the Mick Easterby trained runner should turn the tables on his surprise conqueror (and is weighted to do so), but it's equally possible that Elixsoft will be allowed to dictate from the front once again which could prove advantageous. NEW EMPIRE is risky on the back of his latest start (AW & 7f debut), but generally speaking he has kicked about in stronger races than this during his career, and bred to stay this trip, he could simply prove a better horse than the others.