totesport.com Handicap

Off time: 16:50 | Winning time: 2m 37.12s

(2)

Berkshire Spirit¹⁵⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 65

5/4

Still a maiden and makes his Fibresand debut over an increased trip after a decent break. Yard do well here and this is an easier race than the one he failed in on his handicap debut at the end of last year although his sire has a modest record here.

Form: 6564-

(3)

Harbour Nights^b¹³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Josephine Gordon| T: H Palmer| OR: 64

5/1

Blinkers that replaced a visor are retained here and they appeared to help him show more than previously in a 1m2f maiden last November. Not seen since then now steps up 2f in trip on a new surface on his handicap debut; market worth watching.

Form: 578-

(4)

Sunhill Lad²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: F Norton| T: Mrs A Duffield| OR: 62

9/2

Continued his road back to form last time (best run to date) when taking the runner-up slot over this trip on Tapeta (looked awkward in the finish). Didn't perform well on his last visit here and that tempers enthusiasm and others preferred.

Form: 2466-82

(5)

Gemologist²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Oliver Stammers⁽⁷⁾| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 53

22/1

Ridden by a 7lb claimer for the third start in a row and looks out of sorts having dropped away quickly over 1m2f last time. Now up 2f on a new surface off a 5lb lower mark and hardly represents a solid option.

Form: 869-868

(1)

Amadeus^v⁶³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 49

7/2

Has always looked as though he's needed this trip taking plenty of riding last time out over 2f shorter. His previous visit here was poor though but that trip (7f) was probably too sharp and he may be able to do better given this test.

Form: 9708-53

Forecasts

Berkshire Spirit (5/4), Amadeus (7/2), Sunhill Lad (9/2), Harbour Nights (5/1), Gemologist (22/1)

This doesn’t look a strong contest and despite running poorly here before AMADEUS may well be able to show something like his true worth here now he’s given a proper test having been gelded since his sound Wolverhampton third. Berkshire Spirit drops down in grade now and is given a more realistic assignment but does have to prove himself on this surface. Harbour Nights is of interest if he can cope with this surface on his handicap debut while Sunhill Lad looked to be on the way back last time despite looking a difficult ride.