15:45 Kempton

Saturday 31 March 2018

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:5517:30

Matchbook Casino Handicap

Off time: 15:45 | Winning time: 2m 32.85s

(8)

Time To Blossom³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 84| BF| CD

11/4

Decisive winner of C&D handicap in January. but has been a little too keen in defeat on last two starts at Chelmsford and Newcastle. Handicapper is relenting and she should be thereabouts on a surface which suits.

Form: 3/19-132

(2)

Argus⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: L P Keniry| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 83| C| D

6/1

Made all to win on two of his last three starts, both at this venue, over 2m and 1m3f. Faces a stiffer task off his revised mark, but is in great heart and should make another bold bid.

Form: 509-161

(5)

Inn The Bull³³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Tom Marquand| T: A King| OR: 81| D

11/4

Winning hurdler who has won his last two AW races at Wolverhampton. Has gone up 13lb for those successes, but cannot be discounted in present mood.

Form: 0/820-11

(3)

Stanley¹⁶⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: S W Kelly| T: R Hughes| OR: 80| CD

11/4

Signed off last season with victory in a C&D maiden in which he beat Warm Oasis by ½L. Reopposes on 6lb better terms and, while his rival has improved since their last meeting, he has obvious form claims if fit enough to do himself justice.

Form: 932/321-

(4)

Berrahri²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: Dayverson De Barros| T: J R Best| OR: 80| C

25/1

Experienced campaigner who has seven AW wins to his name and ran with honour in two races at St Moritz in February. Well held at Lingfield last time, but likes this venue and can do better off 1lb lower.

Form: 34335-8

(1)

Vincent's Forever^h²⁶²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Callum Shepherd| T: E De Giles| OR: 80| C

14/1

Only AW win came at this track in 2016 when trained by John Gosden. Cut little ice over hurdles and on the Flat for David Pipe and sets out for a new trainer. Questions to answer after lengthy absence.

Form: 55341/9-

(7)

Hazamar^t¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: David Probert| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 71

16/1

Hurdler/chaser who returned from a spell on the sidelines to finish a most creditable third at 100-1 at Wolverhampton earlier this month. Up 1lb, but in the mix if replicating that effort.

Form: 399/54-3

Non-Runners

(6)

Warm Oasis⁵⁸

Weight: 9-3| Age: 4

T: J R Fanshawe J: Daniel Muscutt

Forecasts

Warm Oasis (9/4), Inn The Bull (11/4), Stanley (11/4), Time To Blossom (11/4), Argus (6/1), Vincent's Forever (14/1), Hazamar (16/1), Berrahri (25/1)

Argus and Inn The Bull are serious contenders in their current vein of form and Time To Blossom can do better if consenting to settle. Each have solid chances, but the two of main interest are old rivals Stanley and WARM OASIS, with the selection earning a narrow vote on the back of some solid efforts since the former came out on top in October. Hazamar's recent display entitles him to plenty of respect, while Berrahri is not out of it either.