Smarter Bets With Matchbook Handicap

Off time: 21:17 | Winning time: 1m 27.05s

(2)

Bezos^p²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Rossa Ryan⁽⁵⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 76| D

11/4

Overcame a stiff task at the weights to score last time when finding himself in front earlier than planned. The runner-up scored on Wednesday, but another 9lb rise still leaves him requiring a lot more.

Form: 874241-

(1)

Dream Mount¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: L Morris| T: M Botti| OR: 75| BF

6/1

Winner of a strongly run Lingfield maiden (1m). Has not had the rub of the green in recent starts and the drop to 7f should satisfy his need for a better pace.

Form: 0715-55

(4)

Swissal²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: David Dennis| OR: 71

9/4

Has been improving with each run lately and no disgrace last time behind a well supported winner. That rival has gone well since under a penalty and another big run seems likely.

Form: 74212-2

(3)

El Borracho⁶⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Tom Marquand| T: S Dow| OR: 68

9/2

Overcame greenness to score at Salisbury (1m) in August and still looked immature here next time. Put away after disappointing on last start, but should have more to offer this year over longer trips than this.

Form: 775140-

(5)

Charles Fox²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: P J McDonald| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 67

9/2

Half-brother to seven winners who showed first glimpse of ability three weeks ago on first run since being gelded. Some smart performers in the family and a potential improver over this trip on handicap debut.

Form: 76-5

Forecasts

Swissal (9/4), Bezos (11/4), Charles Fox (9/2), El Borracho (9/2), Dream Mount (6/1)

A tricky race to close business with a case possible to be made for all. Bezos improved for an accidental change of tactics last time and a 9lb rise in the weights makes this harder. However, he is with a yard capable of getting more from him and has to be feared. El Borracho promises to add to his sole victory as he matures and Charles Fox is another with scope to improve now handicapping. Dream Mount has had excuses since his maiden victory and the likelihood of a good pace here will help him settle better. SWISSAL has been on a steady upward curve of late and has at least proven himself off his current mark. If he runs to his recent levels then it will take a career best from a rival to beat him.