17:00 Newbury

Tuesday 7 August 2018

All13:4514:2014:5015:2515:5516:3017:00

Elm Farm Country Park Essex Handicap

Off time: 17:00 | Winning time: 2m 33.05s

(2)

Manor Park²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: M Harley| T: A King| OR: 75

4/1

Won first time out this campaign over 1m3½f at Windsor. Probably didn't stay 1m6f at Sandown next but ran better than bare form latest when not clear run late on. Each-way possibilities.

Form: 662-196

(7)

Jumping Cats²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: T P Queally| T: C F Wall| OR: 75

20/1

Ordinary form in three novice contests to date. Steps into handicaps now but not done enough to recommend him off joint top-weight.

Form: 655

(3)

Golden Image²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Charles Bishop| T: H J L Dunlop| OR: 73| D

7/2

Improved since stepped up to today's trip with a win and a second at Salisbury both on fast ground. Similar conditions here and another bold bid likely with her seemingly on the upgrade.

Form: 2-39512

(8)

Trevena²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: L P Keniry| T: E Walker| OR: 72

8/1

Just ordinary form in three novice events before winning a three-runner handicap at Yarmouth. Doubtful that form amounts to much but should have at least boosted confidence and may benefit for extra 2f today.

Form: 8951

(1)

Cheeky Rascal^p¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Thore Hammer-Hansen⁽⁷⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 72

8/1

Third in his last three starts all over different distances. Belatedly gets 1lb back but the 7lb his apprentice rider takes off could make a difference as he seems at the mercy of the handicapper lately.

Form: 925333

(6)

Sotomayor^t²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: James Doyle| T: R Hannon| OR: 71| BF| D

20/1

Put some disappointing efforts in handicap company behind him when finishing a neck second in a 1m2f claimer at Windsor recently. More needed back in handicap company and lone win came on AW.

Form: 126562

(5)

Konigin¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: J P Spencer| T: L M Cumani| OR: 67

13/2

Comfortably her best effort so far latest when 5¾L fifth of eight at Nottingham. Steps up in trip now for handicap debut and shrewd trainer is always respected with such types so no surprise if she improves again.

Form: 705

(4)

Alexanderthegreat^p1⁸^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: Liam Jones| T: W J Haggas| OR: 53| D

3/1

Stepped up successfully to this trip at Lingfield (AW) last time, getting off the mark with authority. Carries a penalty, but could do better now the penny has dropped, and cheekpieces may also help eek out more.

Form: 00941

Forecasts

Alexanderthegreat (3/1), Golden Image (7/2), Manor Park (4/1), Konigin (13/2), Cheeky Rascal (8/1), Trevena (8/1), Jumping Cats (20/1), Sotomayor (20/1)

It could be worth chancing KONIGIN in a race that won't be the toughest handicap run here this summer. Luca Cumani is always respected when stepping one up in trip and with first-time handicappers and this filly ticks both boxes. She showed just enough latest to think that we have yet to see the best of her. Alexanderthegreat got his act together at Lingfield latest and the fact his leading trainer turns him out again so quickly is notable. Golden Image also merits respect with her last two efforts since stepped up to this trip both solid.