Melton Mowbray Fillies' Handicap

Off time: 20:10 | Winning time: 2m 9.33s

(1)

Iconic Belle²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Scott McCullagh⁽⁷⁾| T: M R Channon| OR: 69| D

13/8

Has improved her strike-rate in recent months, gaining wins over this trip at Yarmouth and Nottingham on firm ground. Went off too hard last time, and best forgiven that effort in isolation.

Form: 126413

(3)

Beatbybeatbybeat^v¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: J P Sullivan| T: A Brittain| OR: 66

9/4

Tough and consistent mare who won at Wolverhampton in April, and has hit the frame on last three starts. Stayed on well over extended 1m at Hamilton last time, and worth a try at this trip on that evidence.

Form: 445232

(4)

Clenymistra²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 64| D

13/8

Finished a close second over 1½m at Thirsk last month, and respected on that showing, but she's disappointed on her last couple of outings. This does at least represent an easier assignment.

Form: 75-0276

Non-Runners

(2)

So Hoity Toity⁴⁸

Weight: 9-6| Age: 4

T: E De Giles J: Callum Shepherd

Forecasts

Iconic Belle (13/8), Clenymistra (13/8), Beatbybeatbybeat (9/4), So Hoity Toity (13/2)

Iconic Belle is probably best forgiven a below-par display last time when doing too much too soon. She should get back on track, but is vulnerable from her current mark, and preference is for SO HOITY TOITY, who is having just her second start for Ed de Giles. She should improve for her return at Sandown, and has been given every chance by the handicapper. Beatbybeatbybeat is durable , and has been shaping as if worth a try at this trip, so isn't easy to ignore.