Adam Kirby's Exclusive Weekly Blog At starsportsbet.co.uk Handicap

Off time: 17:15 | Winning time: 2m 4.58s

(4)

Branscombe^v³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Dane O'Neill| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 70

5/2

Back to form at Ayr last time when a close third of five off this mark. Remains 3lb higher than when successful at Lingfield in March.

Form: 928823

(1)

Foresee²⁷⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: George Downing| T: A W Carroll| OR: 61| D

12/1

Completely out of form when last seen in the autumn. Returns to action off a lower mark. but will probably need the outing.

Form: 087500-

(2)

Takiah²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: William Cox⁽⁵⁾| T: P W Hiatt| OR: 65

5/1

Plenty of promise in three starts, including when a good third to a talented sort at Nottingham last time when she made much of the running. Interesting to see if her progression can continue now she is handicapping.

Form: 5-33

(5)

Warofindependence^p²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: Rossa Ryan⁽³⁾| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 56

9/2

Off the mark at the 16th attempt on the AW at Wolverhampton in May. Not disgraced in subsequent starts, but looks in the grip of the handicapper.

Form: 031344

(3)

Tally's Son^p¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: D C Costello| T: G Harris| OR: 56| C

7/1

Successful over 1m at this track in May after which he finished out of the frame in two similar contests. Steps up in trip, but it is not sure to suit on breeding.

Form: 588-186

(6)

Show Of Force¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman| OR: 64| C

9/4

Only win came at this venue over 1m last August. Readily held off this sort of mark recently and no obvious reason why that should change.

Form: 5-62645

Forecasts

Show Of Force (9/4), Branscombe (5/2), Warofindependence (9/2), Takiah (5/1), Tally's Son (7/1), Foresee (12/1)

Branscombe fared better at Ayr and should make a bold bid, but TAKIAH ran really well behind a decent sort at Nottingham last time and is worth chancing on her handicap debut. Show Of Force has won at this venue and is respected along with Tally's Son, who has stamina to prove.