British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Handicap

Off time: 19:01 | Winning time: 1m 26.32s

(4)

Peak Princess^b³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Seamus Cronin⁽⁷⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 88| D

6/1

Will find this easier after trying her hand in a Listed contest at Chelmsford last time (not disgraced) but in truth she's not getting any help from the handicapper and has been beaten off this mark this year. Conditions fine but needs a bit more.

Form: 827-658

(5)

Florenza²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: M Stainton| T: C W Fairhurst| OR: 85| CD

10/1

Now just 1lb higher than her Thirsk win last year (at 40-1) and should strip fitter for her recent first run of the year here earlier in the month. Chance to lead and small yard in very good form, so a better effort here wouldn't be a huge surprise.

Form: 13907-6

(1)

Island Cloud⁷^{(ex 6)}

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: B A Curtis| T: H Main| OR: 79| D

11/8

Runs her races with great consistency and fully deserved her Leicester success last time out, coming away late on for a comfortable success. Penalty to shoulder but a repeat makes her a big danger, especially with ideal conditions again.

Form: 313241

(2)

Crotchet¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 82| BF

6/4

Runner-up three times on the bounce now, and keeps creeping up the handicap without winning, but hard to crab what she's doing and the step up to 7f here could suit on breeding. Still unexposed enough to improve again, and not discounted.

Form: 3-83222

(3)

First Dance²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: J P Sullivan| T: T P Tate| OR: 73| D

25/1

Second start for new yard, winner at Kempton last August (for James Tate) but not really gone on from that and no great promise to be taken from her York effort last time out. Meets some in-form rivals here, and has plenty on her plate.

Form: 2/0169-8

Forecasts

Island Cloud (11/8), Crotchet (6/4), Peak Princess (6/1), Florenza (10/1), First Dance (25/1)

Island Cloud is the one to beat on current form and her chance is obvious enough, but a chance is taken on FLORENZA from an in-form Chris Fairhurst yard making all the running. She should strip fitter for a recent outing and might be able to cause a minor upset here. Crotchet has yet to hit the high notes but it's early days and and this step up in trip could help her cause.