Betway Conditions Stakes

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 2m 39.61s

(3)

Red Verdon⁷⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Oisin Murphy| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 107| D

1/3

Had Mountain Bell behind when winning at Kempton in November and has strong claims if able to replicate that form. First run at this track, but has a good AW record so no reason he should not be effective on this surface.

Form: 426321-

(1)

Calling Out²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: S M Levey| T: D M Simcock| OR: 102| C

9/2

Good effort to finish a close third in a 1m2f handicap at this course last time. Well worth a try at this longer trip and is a quite consistent sort who is likely to run his race.

Form: 7/126-43

(4)

Celestial Path¹⁸²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: L Morris| T: D Pipe| OR: 100WS

20/1

Promising juvenile when trained by Sir Mark Prescott, but regressed with age and switch to current trainer for a hurdling career has not been successful. Reverts to the Flat following wind surgery and has positive jockey booking.

Form: 452076/

(2)

Great Hall¹³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 9-5| J: Fran Berry| T: M Quinn| OR: 100| D

8/1

Reeled off a hat-trick of wins on turf last summer and rounded off his campaign with a good effort in Group 3 company at Ascot. If returning in the same mood following his break he should go well, although AW record is not great.

Form: 561116-

Non-Runners

(5)

Mountain Bell⁶⁰

Weight: 9-0| Age: 5

T: R M Beckett J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Red Verdon (1/3), Mountain Bell (13/8), Calling Out (9/2), Great Hall (8/1), Celestial Path (20/1)

Celestial Path would be a big threat at his best, but comes with risks and is passed over along with Great Hall, who was in great form on turf last year but has to prove he is as effective on the AW. Calling Out has stamina to prove, so this is narrowed down to Red Verdon and MOUNTAIN BELL. The latter may prefer a little further, but can reverse Kempton placings on better terms if given a positive ride.