14:45 Newmarket

Friday 18 May 2018

All13:4014:1014:4515:2015:5516:2516:5517:30

Chemtest Environmental Laboratories Handicap

Off time: 14:46 | Winning time: 1m 25.73s

(5)

Family Fortunes¹⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Dane O'Neill| T: S Kirk| OR: 80

9/1

Won first two career starts (both on AW) at 5f and 6f but showed less in two outing on turf. Disappointing as well last couple of runs on AW and has been dropped 5lb. Returns from winter break.

Form: 345300-

(8)

Saluti¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: K Shoemark| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 79| D

12/1

Two successes over this trip last summer and now back on last winning mark. Didn't quite get home over 1m on seasonal reappearance and this looks more like it. Expected to be in the thick of the action.

Form: 10178-0

(12)

Del Parco^p⁷^{(ex 6)}

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: H Crouch| T: C G Cox| OR: 73| D

7/2

Frustrating last term when runner-up three times. Absent for nine months having been gelded but was impressive in bolting up on turf at LIngfield last week and carries his 6lb penalty before handicapper can reassess him.

Form: 23428-1

(7)

Art Echo^p,t²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: J Quinn| T: J Mackie| OR: 75| CD

16/1

Won this race 12 month ago off 4lb lower mark and scored again over this trip at Doncaster last July. Not shown much in two runs so far this term and best form is with some cut in the ground. Any rain would be a bonus.

Form: 5042-86

(4)

Loujain^b²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 75| BF

9/2

Well bred Dubawi gelding but generally disappointing so far in four starts. Favourite and appeared not to stay extended mile at Nottingham on seasonal return so no surprise to see him back at this trip. Top trainer always respected but more needed.

Form: 3/42-0

(11)

Spun Gold^t²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: J P Spencer| T: C Fellowes| OR: 72| D

10/1

Two career wins have both come on the Fibresand at Southwell and has shown less dash on turf in five runs. Eased 4lb since last run but may need more help before getting his head back in front.

Form: 164420

(3)

Balgair^h1¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: Tom Clover| OR: 70| BF| D

5/1

Won on debut as a juvenile but no luck since although went close a number of times last autumn. Beaten just a head off this mark at Brighton on return run and wears a first-time hood that might help the cause. Should be thereabouts once again.

Form: 77232-2

(2)

Curious Fox³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 8-10| J: William Carson| T: A Carson| OR: 69

20/1

5-25 in career to date so knows how to win but all those successes have come at 6f. Attempts this trip on turf for the first time and not ruled out, but needs a leap of faith to support her on this occasion.

Form: 8-06535

(6)

Tuscany²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: L Morris| T: P & O Cole| OR: 68| D

15/2

Has scored twice at 7f on the AW but appears less effective on turf and faded fast at Doncaster last term having arrived there race fit. Others make more appeal.

Form: 0011-67

(1)

Magic Mirror^p³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: David Egan| T: M G Rimell| OR: 67| D

25/1

Fine record at Kempton AW where he has won five times, but has only managed one place from eight starts on turf which tells its own tale. Looks harshly handicapped on that evidence.

Form: 113-610

(9)

Nick Vedder^b⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: F Norton| T: M Wigham| OR: 67| BF

20/1

Won Newcastle 1m handicap 14 months ago but showed very little in three starts on turf to date and will need to turn over a new leaf if he wants to figure in this event.

Form: 033-229

(10)

Until Midnight²⁹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 8-7| J: Joey Haynes| T: E Stanford| OR: 65| DWS

50/1

All five wins have come on the AW and has poor record of just one place from 17 starts on turf. On that basis looks very much up against it returning from 10 month absence and wind surgery.

Form: 526582-

Non-Runners

(13)

Zain Star³⁰

Weight: 9-4| Age: 4

T: J Butler J: David Egan

Forecasts

Del Parco (7/2), Loujain (9/2), Balgair (5/1), Tuscany (15/2), Family Fortunes (9/1), Spun Gold (10/1), Saluti (12/1), Zain Star (12/1), Art Echo (16/1), Nick Vedder (20/1), Curious Fox (20/1), Magic Mirror (25/1), Until Midnight (50/1)

DEL PARCO carries his 6lb penalty for a runaway win last week and connections bid to strike again before the handicapper gets his teeth into him. He should make a bold bid. Many of his rivals are better on the AW, but Saluti and Balgair both have fair claims, while last year's winner Art Echo is respected. Loujain represents a top yard but has been disappointing, while Zain Star is not out of it if on his game.