MBNA Fillies' Handicap

Off time: 14:36 | Winning time: 1m 33.93s

(4)

Mojika²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: J Mitchell| T: R Varian| OR: 81

15/8

Makes her handicap conceding weight all round to older horses, but looks a potential improver after two good efforts of last where she just failed to land the spoils. Top trainer selected this option so may be worth taking the hint.

Form: 622

(1)

Groupie⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: J Quinn| T: T P Tate| OR: 70

7/1

Didn't show much in three-runner affair at Haydock last time and has been dropped 4lb. Feasibly handicapped on pick of old form but hasn't done enough of late to inspire much confidence.

Form: 1089-63

(3)

Miss Sheridan⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Harrison Shaw⁽⁵⁾| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 69| D

9/2

Habitual front runner who made all to score at Haydock earlier this month of 5lb lower mark. Didn't run as well at Redcar last time but this sharp track may help and she is not without a chance.

Form: 927513

(5)

Forever A Lady¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: D C Costello| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 67

9/2

Yard in fine form and this mare won last time at Thirsk, staying on well close home to score off 3lb lower mark. Runner-up on only two previous visits here so another decent display is on the cards.

Form: 535341

(2)

Bell Heather¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: Connor Murtagh⁽⁵⁾| T: P Morris| OR: 66| D

7/2

Won three of last nine starts, all at Wolverhmapton. Had wind operation and returned to run well here last time out, staying on to be a closing fourth over 1m2f. Drop back in trip might not be ideal though.

Form: 80-5614

(6)

Bush Beauty³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 8-10| J: Rhona Pindar⁽⁷⁾| T: E J Alston| OR: 63| CD

16/1

Yard has enjoyed plenty of success here over the years and this mare won over C&D on penultimate start, overcoming trouble in running. Ran less well at Hamilton last time but off light weight has a squeak if on top of her game.

Form: 005417

Forecasts

Mojika (15/8), Bell Heather (7/2), Miss Sheridan (9/2), Forever A Lady (9/2), Groupie (7/1), Bush Beauty (16/1)

Roger Varian could have asked MOJIKA to run against her own age group on handicap debut but has chosen to take on older horses here, the inference being that he believes this race is distinctly winnable from her current mark. The hint should be taken. Bush Beauty has scored here twice previously over C&D so has to be respect getting plenty of weight, while Forever A Lady styaed on well to score last time and a similar display would make her a danger. Miss Sheridan is another who isn't easy to rule out of calculations.