20:00 Kempton

Wednesday 15 August 2018

All17:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:0020:3021:00

Charlotte Wetherell 21st Birthday Handicap

Off time: 20:01 | Winning time: 1m 41.04s

(7)

Extra Large^t1¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: James Doyle| T: W J Haggas| OR: 72

9/4

Good debut at Chelmsford where he stayed on nicely for fourth but two runs since being upped to a mile not so good. Tongue tie on today could remedy the situation, however, so could get back to best form. Chances.

Form: 445

(4)

Geranium³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Charlie Bennett⁽³⁾| T: H Morrison| OR: 71| CD

5/1

Steady improvement first three starts and turned that into a winning handicap debut over C&D latest, finishing with a flourish to claim the prize on the line. Conditions clearly fine then, and no reason not to go close from 6lb higher mark.

Form: 0731

(11)

Exeat²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 70

7/1

Has been getting the hang of things and showed decent speed to lead them at Chelmsford latest before sticking on well for third. Poor draw here makes those tactics harder to pull off, but she seems to be going the right way.

Form: 033

(8)

Roman Warrior⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: P Cosgrave| T: H J L Dunlop| OR: 70

9/1

Best run so far came at Chepstow in July when just denied but may well have done better here last time out with a clearer passage, and that run best forgiven. Chances if getting more room to operate here, and not ruled out.

Form: 88-6227

(9)

Reshaan⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Dane O'Neill| T: R Hannon| OR: 67

9/1

Hadn't shown much first four starts and was a disappointing favourite here in May, but took a step forward when third over 7f here last week (an unlucky Roman Warrior behind) and might be getting the hang of it now.

Form: 40-903

(2)

Directory³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Ryan Tate| T: J M P Eustace| OR: 67| CD

7/1

Encouraging that both his best runs have come here at Kempton, those being a second over 7f here in April and then a win over C&D last time out (from Roman Warrior, only 1lb better in here). Drawn well and a likely player.

Form: 392861

(12)

Goodwood Showman¹⁰²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: W J Knight| OR: 66WS

12/1

Not disgraced on a couple of his four starts without threatening to get close to winning, but very disappointing last time. Wind surgery since may help, but might need further than this anyway. Best watched.

Form: 05-50

(5)

Sebastiano Ricci¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: E J Walsh⁽³⁾| T: D M Loughnane| OR: 66

33/1

Some useful form off much higher marks for Joseph O'Brien in Ireland but two starts for current yard have revealed little, Hard to fancy despite the falling handicap mark.

Form: 6-57559

(3)

Trogon⁴⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Scott McCullagh⁽⁷⁾| T: M R Channon| OR: 65

7/1

Running with some consistency but hasn't looked like winning for some time and not hard to think the handicapper has hold of him at present. Did go close over C&D in April but others make more appeal.

Form: 434645

(10)

Greaves^h1²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: L P Keniry| T: E Walker| OR: 64

33/1

Useful debut behind some decent sorts at Lingfield but not reached that height in three subsequent starts. However, more chance going handicapping today and hood tried, both of which may help, but could have been better drawn.

Form: 6666

(6)

Passing Clouds^p¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: L Morris| T: M J Attwater| OR: 62

50/1

Almost won from a 9lb higher mark over C&D in January but a tale of woe since then, and appears to be going backward sat present. Chance on that run but a very risky proposition now.

Form: 268900

(1)

Beloved Knight³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-2| J: K T O'Neill| T: A West| OR: 51

22/1

Straw to cling to is the fact he was only beaten a neck over C&D in April and is 4lb lower here, but wasn't going with any enthusiasm at Chelmsford last time and may be best watched until refinding some form.

Form: 254468

Forecasts

Extra Large (9/4), Geranium (5/1), Directory (7/1), Exeat (7/1), Trogon (7/1), Roman Warrior (9/1), Reshaan (9/1), Goodwood Showman (12/1), Beloved Knight (22/1), Sebastiano Ricci (33/1), Greaves (33/1), Passing Clouds (50/1)

The worry with this race is the distinct lack of pace, and it could be falsely run. As such, EXEAT might be able to get to the front from a seemingly poor draw and if she can, could dictate the pace and take some catching. She's given the vote in a tricky contest. Directory seems to run his best races here and can prove the main danger, with Roman Warrior and Reshaan also worthy of consideration.