14:35 Epsom Downs

Friday 1 June 2018

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:3017:1517:50

Investec Click & Invest Mile Handicap

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 1m 47.24s

(4)

Mr Scaramanga²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: S De Sousa| T: S Dow| OR: 97

16/1

Not won since his debut for this yard and given some relief from the handicapper after another poor effort when last of 27 at Ascot in May. Jockey booking a positive for this local trainer but he needs to leave all recent form behind to win this.

Form: 8-32950

(3)

King's Pavilion²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: B A Curtis| T: J Ward| OR: 93| C

7/2

A course winner over 7f in 2016, he's only won once since but effective in rain softened ground, as seen when placed in a competitive Ripon handicap in April on second start for new connections. Career best needed but he's not ruled out.

Form: 249-638

(2)

Mythical Madness^v¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: D O'Meara| OR: 92| D

11/2

Won twice last year from higher marks than this. Bounced back to form with a narrow second at Chelmsford two starts back but never a factor at York on latest start. Runner-up in this race last year from a higher mark and can't be ruled out.

Form: 602929

(8)

Donncha²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Eddery| OR: 91

5/1

Losing run goes back to 2015 and now stands at 20 runs without a win. On a fair mark on the pick of his form and ran well when third of 14 at Goodwood last time. Each-way claims.

Form: 080-043

(7)

Medburn Dream²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: F Norton| T: P Hedger| OR: 89| CD

5/1

C&D winner who won in good fashion on his seasonal return at Windsor from the front. Runner-up has won since and having just his third start for his new trainer so more progress entirely possible.

Form: 09958-1

(9)

Brilliant Vanguard²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-12| J: Shane Gray| T: K A Ryan| OR: 88

16/1

Won three in a row at the end of last summer and seemingly versatile with regards to ground conditions. Back below his last winning mark after three disappointing efforts this season and has a bit to prove at present.

Form: 436-000

(1)

Able Jack⁸¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-12| J: Harry Bentley| T: S C Williams| OR: 88| D

12/1

Has got his act together since joining this yard with three wins on AW over the winter and arrives here bidding for a hat-trick. Turf record is patchy though and sole run here was below par. Also questionable whether he wants these conditions.

Form: 64-1011

(6)

Masham Star¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 86| BF

9/2

Won a handicap off an official rating of 100 in September and rated a stone below that here. Due to go up 4lb when reassessed for a narrow defeat at Ayr last week but while he's obviously well-handicapped, the ground may have gone against him here.

Form: 373002

(5)

High Acclaim³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: David Probert| T: R A Teal| OR: 86

10/1

Useful soft ground performer who won on seasonal bow at Doncaster at the Lincoln meeting in a competitive 20 runner handicap. The back that up at Haydock in similar conditions next time though and his inconsistency is the concern.

Form: 600-815

Forecasts

King's Pavilion (7/2), Masham Star (9/2), Medburn Dream (5/1), Donncha (5/1), Mythical Madness (11/2), High Acclaim (10/1), Able Jack (12/1), Brilliant Vanguard (16/1), Mr Scaramanga (16/1)

Mythical Madness ran well in this race last year from a higher handicap mark when runner-up and ought to go well again after some fair efforts on all-weather in recent times. However, preference is for KING'S PAVILION who will appreciate the rain that has arrived this week and he should get a decent pace to aim at here. Mr Scaramanga is very frustrating to follow but Silvestre De Sousa taking over must be considered a positive and he holds place claims along with Medburn Dream and Donncha