16:25 Southwell

Wednesday 4 April 2018

All13:5014:2514:5515:2515:5516:2516:55

mintbet.com Handicap

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 1m 15.19s

(2)

Dream Ally⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-10| J: Phil Dennis⁽³⁾| T: J R Weymes| OR: 56| D

8/1

In much better form last year when winning three AW handicaps (twice over 6f) but despite some much needed respite from the handicapper he's below his best at the moment. Now makes his debut on Fibresand; best watched at the moment.

Form: 8-44057

(6)

Sir Geoffrey^b⁸

Age: 12| Weight: 9-9| J: Finley Marsh⁽⁵⁾| T: S Dixon| OR: 55| CD

5/1

Very capable veteran who continues to run well on this surface although was below form last time here the 5f trip proving too sharp. 3lb above his last winning mark but will be better suited by this 6f and should be respected; could run into a place.

Form: 28-1256

(7)

Bonjour Steve^p¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: R J Price| OR: 53| CD

11/1

A C&D winner it is a while since that last win although the losing run has left him well handicapped (6lb below his C&D win). Below form of late though and would have to bounce back to form although that can't be totally ruled out.

Form: 559-700

(1)

Gleaming Sun⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Nathan Evans| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 59

4/6

Plenty to be gained from his handicap/Fibresand debut over 6f last time especially for one of this age against his elders. He was off the bridle a fair way out but showed a good attitude to finish second; should be suited by a return to 7f.

Form: 449-2

(5)

Kheleyf's Girl¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: Jane Elliott⁽⁵⁾| T: C Ellam| OR: 50

33/1

Yet to run a bad race on this surface (222) although none of those runs have come in a handicap and her form in this sphere is fairly modest. All those handicap runs have been on other surfaces though and well worth a go in handicaps on this surface.

Form: 26-2420

(4)

Eyes of Fire²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: Robbie Walsh⁽⁷⁾| T: J R Norton| OR: 50

9/1

Prior to his last run here all his form had looked to be fairly poor or modest at best but he did show some progress over C&D last time albeit in a lowly grade. Remains to be seen if he can back that run up as that and more is needed here.

Form: 0-57452

Non-Runners

(3)

Falcao⁴¹³

Weight: 10-0| Age: 6

T: J Butler J: S De Sousa

Forecasts

Gleaming Sun (4/6), Sir Geoffrey (5/1), Falcao (6/1), Dream Ally (8/1), Eyes of Fire (9/1), Bonjour Steve (11/1), Kheleyf's Girl (33/1)

Hardly the deepest race and although life is quite tough for three-year-olds in sprints against their elders at this time of year GLEAMING SUN did show what was possible last time out. Admittedly he would be better over 7f but he might be able to overcome that if he can repeat his last run. Both Falcao and Bonjour Steve look to be out of sorts at the moment but they are lurking on dangerous marks based on earlier form and both should be noted if they show any positive signs in the market. Sir Geoffrey is a solid yardstick in this company and over this trip and he could well make the frame.