14:55 Haydock

Saturday 7 July 2018

All12:3513:1013:4514:2014:5515:3016:05

bet365.com Handicap

Off time: 14:56 | Winning time: 1m 11.5s

(7)

King Robert^h,v⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: G Lee| T: B Smart| OR: 83| D

7/1

Only handicap win came from 6lb higher on AW at Wolverhampton last year. Has been below that level in all but one start since. Bit more encouragement last time when 1¼L third in a 0-85 at Doncaster, but probably each-way claims.

Form: 67-3763

(1)

Athollblair Boy⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Nicola Currie⁽³⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 82| D

14/1

Saves his better efforts for Newcastle's Tapeta, on which he has won three times. Sole turf win was his maiden at Ripon in 2015. Has looked exposed in recent turf runs, even with 7lb claimer up, so has his work cut out again here.

Form: 121536

(8)

Buridan¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: S De Sousa| T: R Hannon| OR: 85| D

9/4

Has returned in good form this season and produced the best of his short career so far when just holding on to win by a head at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) recently. Up 3lb for that, but unexposed and may well continue to progess.

Form: 15-21

(4)

Lashabeeh²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Dane O'Neill| T: R Varian| OR: 83| D

10/3

Finally shrugged off the 'bridesmaid' tag when getting his nose in front on his handicap debut in a 0-85 at Leicester (6f, good to firm) last month. Up 4lb for that. Will probably need improvement to follow-up, but that is entirely possible.

Form: 2-U221

(3)

Madrinho³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Poppy Bridgwater⁽⁷⁾| T: A W Carroll| OR: 76| D

7/2

Arrives in good form, having won two of his last three, the first of those at Salisbury (6f, good to firm) last month and then last time at Kempton. Unpenalised today for that apprentice race win and goes well for this pilot. Claims.

Form: 483121

(2)

Symposing¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: J P Sullivan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 81

33/1

Didn't make his racecourse debut until April but has made up for lost time with a 7f Wetherby win and two better novice efforts since. Well beaten last on handicap debut at Ayr (7f) last time. Bit to prove from 2lb lower over this shorter trip.

Form: 61367

(5)

Hee Haw⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: L Morris| T: P T Midgley| OR: 74| D

10/1

Yet to win on ground faster than good. Last won at Ripon (6f) in August, when 5lb higher, but has barely been competitive in eight starts since. Stable a little quiet, but he would be of interest if supported given his handy mark.

Form: 306959

(6)

Ginbar⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: R Kingscote| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 77| CD

8/1

Recorded back-to-back wins here over C&D (good to soft) and then at Chester (heavy) in September. Well held all starts since, but gelded prior to latest run, which was a step back in the right direction. On handy mark if he can step up again.

Form: 110-087

Forecasts

Buridan (9/4), Lashabeeh (10/3), Madrinho (7/2), King Robert (7/1), Ginbar (8/1), Hee Haw (10/1), Athollblair Boy (14/1), Symposing (33/1)

In intriguing handicap where a return to form for either Hee Haw and Ginbar from these marks would give them claims, but it looks prudent to concentrate on those who arrive in better form and on an upward trajectory. Lashabeeh and Madrinho both fit the bill on that score, as does BURIDAN, who just gets the nod after showing real tenacity last time.