16:15 Chester

Saturday 30 June 2018

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:25

Woodford Reserve Handicap

Off time: 16:16 | Winning time: 2m 38.69s

(2)

Akamanto¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: David Probert| T: R M Smith| OR: 72

11/4

Won a Leicester seller for Richard Hannon, and built on promise of return for current yard when scoring over 1m3f at Carlisle last time, making all and rallying gamely. Respected in current heart.

Form: 404-231

(1)

Mash Potato^t¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 9-7| J: T E Whelan| T: N C Kelly| OR: 70

20/1

Placed over hurdles at Hexham and Uttoxeter in the autumn, and likely to be fitter for recent Flat return over this trip at Fairyhouse, but handicapped on 2015 form, and hard to know how capable he is currently.

Form: 86831/9

(4)

Ice Canyon^h¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Liam Jones| T: W M Brisbourne| OR: 68| C

9/1

Had been struggling for consistency, but bounced back in a first-time hood to record a shock win over shorter here on his latest start, beating Andok. Every chance with a repeat, but no guarantee he'll be in the same form.

Form: 377071

(5)

Monaco Rose²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: J Garritty| T: R A Fahey| OR: 66| D

9/1

Won middle-distance handicaps at Catterick and Doncaster in 2017, but not in the same form this year, and well held in a claimer at former track last time. Usual hood left off now.

Form: 468-395

(6)

Benadalid²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: M Stainton| T: C W Fairhurst| OR: 77

4/1

Shared spoils in 6f Newcastle novice last summer, and has progressed gradually this season, finishing 1½L second of 8 to Epaulement in 1¼m handicap at Haydock last time. Longer trip will suit, and merits serious consideration.

Form: 366-332

(3)

Royal Flag^p²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 8-11| J: Joey Haynes| T: B Ellison| OR: 60| D

16/1

Dual winner at up to 2m last season, but not in the same form recently, and just a minor revival when tried in cheekpieces last time, beaten 4L in a Catterick claimer.

Form: 373-843

(7)

Airmax^b1²³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: R Kingscote| T: R M Beckett| OR: 71| BF

13/8

Gradually progressive on turf, showing best form when neck third of 8 to Quantatmental in extended 1m3f handicap at Haydock last time. Unexposed, and sure to go close if blinkers have a positive effect.

Form: 66-423

Forecasts

Airmax (13/8), Akamanto (11/4), Benadalid (4/1), Ice Canyon (9/1), Monaco Rose (9/1), Royal Flag (16/1), Mash Potato (20/1)

A few of these are out of sorts, and BENADALID looks the way to go having run really well on all three starts this season. Airmax is a huge danger if improving for the fitting of blinkers, while Akamanto was game in victory at Carlisle last time, and will give it his best shot again.