Bartercard Handicap

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 2m 7.83s

(1)

Any Little Rhyme³²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: R Kingscote| T: M L W Bell| OR: 71

8/1

Pedigree suggests that she should be far better than this mark and there were signs of distinct progress stepped up in trip and in a handicap at Sandown penultimate start. Backwards step since at Newmarket (1m, good to firm).

Form: 54-747

(2)

Branscombe^v⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 70

10/3

Solid efforts at Ayr and Chepstow this month already over the trip when hitting the frame, should continue to give running though might again settle for minor placing.

Form: 288232

(4)

Matchmaking²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 69| D

1/3

Mastercraftsman gelding is two from two this year, show improved form in scoring at Yarmouth and Brighton over this trip. Only 3lb higher than for most recent win and likely has plenty more to come. The one to beat.

Form: 099-11

Non-Runners

(3)

Optimum Time²

Weight: 9-8| Age: 3

T: Eve Johnson Houghton J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Matchmaking (1/3), Optimum Time (5/2), Branscombe (10/3), Any Little Rhyme (8/1)

MATCHMAKING is improving nicely this season and has won two starts already, another 3lb hike in the ratings might not be enough to deny the hat-trick bid. Branscombe looks the key danger after solid efforts lately at both Ayr and Chepstow while Optimum Time cannot be discounted after a career-best effort at Windsor on Monday. He does carry a penalty for his win there.