32Redsport.com Handicap

Off time: 17:45 | Winning time: 1m 31.0s

(5)

Windsor Cross^v²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-13| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 82| CD

10/11

Both wins have come over C&D, each time in first-time headgear (visor/blinkers). Raised 3lb for latest success and visor retained. Clearly suited by this venue and looks a major player once again.

Form: 45134-1

(1)

Hard Graft²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: P J McDonald| T: D H Brown| OR: 76

7/2

Landed Southwell 6f handicap just before Christmas but faded there over 7f off today's mark last time out. Better chance of getting home on this surface if he proves as effective but needs another step forward.

Form: 45701-3

(4)

The British Lion¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 73| BF

7/2

Maiden who has shown some fair form and was fancied to score last time only to run poorly when sent off favourite here over 6f. Not sure what to expect this time and has a point to prove.

Form: 723-34

(2)

Ventura Gold¹⁰⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 71

25/1

Went close in Musselburgh 7f nursery in August then ran creditably in big Irish sales race at the Curragh. Absence to overcome, but may do better this term and worth considering here.

Form: 654206-

(3)

How Bizarre¹¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: S A Gray| T: K A Ryan| OR: 68

5/1

Handicap debut for this half-brother to the yard's listed winner Salateen. Shaped well when fourth and raced prominently for much of the way on last outing, at Redcar in the autumn, and may go well off decent mark if fit enough.

Form: 444-

Forecasts

Windsor Cross (10/11), The British Lion (7/2), Hard Graft (7/2), How Bizarre (5/1), Ventura Gold (25/1)

Getting a stone from Windsor Cross, handicap debutant HOW BIZARRE is taken to win on his seasonal return, assuming he's done enough work and is ready for the task. He showed definite promise in his last race and could be on the right side of the handicapper. Windsor Cross is a big danger if the visor works again following his recent win, and his stable companin Ventura Gold is another interesting candidate and cannot be ruled out in a very trappy heat. The British Lion needs to leave behind a poor run last time out to figure.