15:30 Brighton

Thursday 9 August 2018

All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:00

Visit marathonbet.co.uk Brighton Challenge Handicap

Off time: 15:31 | Winning time: 2m 34.57s

(2)

Whinging Willie^v³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-12| J: H Crouch| T: G & J Moore| OR: 77| CD

16/1

Has three wins to his name at this venue but hasn't been in fomr this term and despite being given a chance by the handicapper he needs to show more before weighing in. Worth a market check though, just in case.

Form: 16-7047

(7)

The Otmoor Poet^p,t1¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: M Harley| T: A M Hales| OR: 75

13/2

19-race maiden, but has been placed eight times and wasn't beaten far at either Windsor or Epsom earlier this summer. Poor effort over hurdles latest but isn't without a chance if on his game in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 205-333

(6)

River Dart³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Poppy Bridgwater⁽⁷⁾| T: A W Carroll| OR: 70| D

18/1

Runner-up here on his only previous visit, he won at Chepstow in May bit hasn't gone on from that effort and has run modestly on his two subsequent starts. Eased 1lb and decent apprentice claims 7lb so handicapped to run well if back on song.

Form: 6-75165

(4)

Dr Richard Kimble⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 79| D

9/2

Represents last year's winning yard which, as ever, is in flying form. Won over this trip at Doncaster and Goodwood this season and takes on older horses here. Handicapped to go close if he handles the track.

Form: 215349

(3)

Ashington^p²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: A Kirby| T: L M Cumani| OR: 79| D

7/4

5lb higher than Newmarket win on penultimate start and appeared not to see out the 1m6f ay Haydock last time. Return to this trip will help and has looked progressive this year so has a leading chance.

Form: 76-2214

(1)

Henry Croft¹⁵⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: George Downing| T: A W Carroll| OR: 67

50/1

Maiden who showed fair form for John Gosden in first four starts and ran satisfactorily for current yard this winter. Poor form though in four runs on turf since then and the jury is out for the time being.

Form: 4379-88

(5)

Cheeky Rascal^p²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Thore Hammer-Hansen⁽⁷⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 72

2/1

Placed seven times from 12 starts but still to place his head in front where it matters most. Gets weight all round and promising claimer takes another 7lb off so should be thereabouts once again.

Form: 253332

Forecasts

Ashington (7/4), Cheeky Rascal (2/1), Dr Richard Kimble (9/2), The Otmoor Poet (13/2), Whinging Willie (16/1), River Dart (18/1), Henry Croft (50/1)

The three-year-olds are of most interest here and Luca Cumani's ASHINGTON just gets the nod. He appeared not stay over further last time but had previously looked on the up over this trip. Dr Richard Kimble wasn't disgraced at Glorious Goodwood last week and his front-runnning style may get them all at it from some way out, while River Dart is weighted to run well if back on top of his game. Whinging Willie has been out of sorts but it is worth checking for any market move off his reduced mark, and Cheeky Rascal might not be far away off his light weight.