16:10 Nottingham

Friday 17 August 2018

All13:3014:0014:3515:0515:4016:1016:4517:15

myracing.com Colwick Cup Handicap

Off time: 16:12 | Winning time: 3m 3.92s

(3)

Buzz⁴⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Liam Keniry| T: H Morrison| OR: 93

9/4

Fast improving four year old, easy winner at Kempton last two runs and showed at Newbury in April that the likely ground today won't be an issue. Steps up another 2f, which asks a new question, but in great form and has to be on the shortlist.

Form: 1/02-511

(6)

Island Brave²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: W Buick| T: H Main| OR: 92

6/1

In tremendous form over the winter and was awarded a valuable Newcastle handicap in the stewards room in March. Drops back in trip here after a couple of solid efforts at 2m, which looks a positive, and from a good mark, looks a likely player.

Form: 121558

(7)

Slunovrat²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: D Nolan| T: D Menuisier| OR: 89| CD

25/1

Twice a winner at the track and handles some cut too, so any rain not an issue. Below form at York last time but every chance on earlier game C&D win here. Yard among the winners this week and another you can easily give a chance to.

Form: 0/260-17

(9)

Lady Bergamot²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: George Wood| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 88| D

16/1

Below par at Newbury last time out but had been in good form previously and was a winner in better class than today at Chelmsford in June. May not want too much rain but chances if bouncing back from that last effort. Trip ideal.

Form: 13-3217

(4)

Faithful Mount^p⁶⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 9-1| J: Jim Crowley| T: Ian Williams| OR: 80| D

10/1

On a decent mark these days (some 6lb lower than last win) and handles some cut, so has that in his favour. Return of cheekpieces a plus as well, and good jockey booking. Declared to run at Chepstow yesterday.

Form: 17/0685

(8)

Dawn Choir¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Adam J McNamara⁽³⁾| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 79

10/1

Third start for new yard, good effort at Kempton in June but below that form at Newmarket next time out. Takes a step up in trip (not certain to suit on breeding) and given others have more solid profiles, is passed over here.

Form: 2231-54

(2)

Lucky Deal²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 88

4/1

Has been running with consistency this season, although only has the one win in a four-horse race at Carlisle to show for his efforts. Seemed to stay this trip when a close third at Chester in July but possible the handicapper has him at present.

Form: 241933

(1)

Benadalid²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: M Stainton| T: C W Fairhurst| OR: 87

6/1

Improving quickly now and has done better each time he's been stepped up in trip, which is happening again today, so hard to discount simply on that alone. Might not want too much rain but hard to rule out in such rude health.

Form: 6-33211

(5)

Ravenous²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 8-9| J: P Hanagan| T: L A Dace| OR: 69| CD

14/1

Won this off a mark of 75 two years ago, so no qualms with his mark, but that was his last victory and an overall strike rate of just 3 wins in 53 starts hardly makes a compelling case for him today. Others preferred.

Form: 675225

Forecasts

Buzz (9/4), Lucky Deal (4/1), Island Brave (6/1), Benadalid (6/1), Dawn Choir (10/1), Faithful Mount (10/1), Ravenous (14/1), Lady Bergamot (16/1), Slunovrat (25/1)

The ground appears to have come right for SLUNOVRAT, who has a good record at the track (two wins from five starts here) and can bounce back from a below-par effort at York last time. Benadalid is in hot form and might yet have more to offer over this trip, but that improved form has come on quicker and may be vulnerable here. Faithful Mount is due to race at Chepstow on Thursday but has conditions in his favour here and looks a player now the cheekpieces are back on. Island Brave is another to consider in a competitive race for the money.