Royal Arch Derby Handicap

Off time: 19:00 | Winning time: 2m 28.98s

(1)

Port Douglas^h¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: S De Sousa| T: P & O Cole| OR: 77

10/11

Won the 2015 renewal of the Beresford Stakes when with Aidan O'Brien but never matched that level since. Handicap mark has dropped significantly over the last 12 months, as has the level of his performance. Risky option under top weight.

Form: 06-5960

(4)

Light Of Air^v²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: S W Kelly| T: G & J Moore| OR: 70| D

7/2

Enjoyed a good 2017 campaign but has shaped as if the handicapper is presently in charge after two modest effort this season. Has gone well over C&D in the past but looks in for a stiff test on these terms.

Form: 1232-00

(5)

Attain¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-5| J: Pierre-Louis Jamin⁽⁷⁾| T: A Watson| OR: 68| D

9/1

Has posted several good efforts for today's jockey, who takes 7lb off with his claim. The best of those took place on the AW but the rider's weight allowance helps off-set a 5lb higher mark than his last win on turf. Sound claims.

Form: 642316

(3)

Bamako Du Chatelet^p¹²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: David Probert| T: Ian Williams| OR: 68| C| D

4/1

Has won over C&D but has a bit to find with Attain on a recent piece of AW form. Also off-putting that he's been off since February.

Form: 012-465

(2)

Fanoulpifer^h,t⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: William Carson| T: M J Attwater| OR: 64

12/1

Won six times during his time in Italy but has placed just once since joining his current yard in the UK. Feasible that he's well handicapped but something to prove on this first start on turf since finishing last of five at Epson in August 2017.

Form: 8P3436

Forecasts

Port Douglas (10/11), Light Of Air (7/2), Bamako Du Chatelet (4/1), Attain (9/1), Fanoulpifer (12/1)

ATTIRE gets on well with today's rider, who takes 7lb off his back as the gelding sets out to regain winning ways on turf. Bamako Du Chatelet has a bit to find with the selection on recent AW form but may have been sharpened up by a break since February, so merits serious consideration if the market speaks in his favour. Fanoulpifer is potentially well-handicapped and edges out Light Of Air as the best alternative.