19:15 Chelmsford City

Friday 24 August 2018

All17:4518:1518:4519:1519:4520:1520:45

Irish Lotto At totesport.com Optional Claiming Handicap

Off time: 19:18 | Winning time: 1m 36.01s

(1)

Azzeccagarbugli⁶⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: A Fresu| T: M Botti| OR: 100| D

25/1

Winner 11 times in Italy and has a fine AW strike rate of 3-4. Lumbered with top weight on first start in this country and debut for trainer, but is greatly respected given his record.

Form: 11-2441

(12)

Knife Edge³¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 97| D

33/1

Started his career in Britain and won the 2016 German 2,000 Guineas before being shipped out to Hong Kong where he failed to add to his account. Back in this country for a new trainer and is one to note in the betting.

Form: 21/4060-

(7)

Pactolus^h,t⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: Louis Steward| T: S C Williams| OR: 97| CD

6/1

Winner of nine races who has run really well to be second on his last two starts, inclduing last time over C&D. Has to go on the short list in a competitive contest.

Form: 706522

(2)

Zwayyan^b¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Jason Watson⁽³⁾| T: A M Balding| OR: 95| D

2/1

Ran right up to his mark when third over 1m on Shergar Cup day at Ascot. Fair chance on that form, but is making his AW debut.

Form: 14-4253

(9)

Greatest Journey¹⁴⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 95| D

25/1

Won four times for Saeed Bin Suroor, but was off the track for almost three years before reappearance run for current trainer in March. Showed the benefit of that run when second over 1m2f at this venue last time.

Form: 1325/62

(6)

Fire Brigade¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: S De Sousa| T: M L W Bell| OR: 94| C| D

7/2

Not far behind Zwayyan when fifth at Ascot last time. May well be capable of turning the tables on that rival given his AW record which includes a win at this track.

Form: 1-00285

(4)

War Glory¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Dane O'Neill| T: R Hannon| OR: 91| CD

5/1

In good heart and looked a little unlucky to be collared close home at Haydock last time. Up 3lb, but both wins have come on the AW. Long, losing run to overcome, however.

Form: 532442

(11)

Manson²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: J F Egan| T: D J S Ffrench Davis| OR: 90| D

12/1

Long time since he got his head in front, but is capable enough and has dropped to a fair handicap mark. That said, this is a deep race and he looks up against it.

Form: 300-206

(5)

Malaspina^b1⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: L Morris| T: I Furtado| OR: 86| D

20/1

Prolific winner in Italy and France and got off the mark for this stable at Southwell in December. Not so good since, but may have need the run last time and cannot be ruled out in first-time blinkers.

Form: 111-475

(3)

Glory Awaits^b²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 8-11| J: Harry Bentley| T: D M Simcock| OR: 83| CD

11/1

Not the force of old, but won over C&D last month before finishing last of nine over 7f returned to turf at Newmarket. Likes this venue and can make his presence felt.

Form: 445319

(10)

First Flight¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 8-8| J: Yuga Kawada| T: B Ellison| OR: 80| D

25/1

Returning from a wind operation when only sixth of seven at Pontefract last time. Effective on the AW, but has a bit to prove in a strong contest.

Form: 611466

(8)

Sans Souci Bay^b¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-5| J: P Mathers| T: S Dixon| OR: 77| C

50/1

Chester winner last month, but well held in three subsequent outings. Has winning form at this venue, but this looks a big ask.

Form: 721668

Forecasts

Zwayyan (2/1), Fire Brigade (7/2), War Glory (5/1), Pactolus (6/1), Glory Awaits (11/1), Manson (12/1), Malaspina (20/1), Greatest Journey (25/1), Azzeccagarbugli (25/1), First Flight (25/1), Knife Edge (33/1), Sans Souci Bay (50/1)

Plenty of prize money up for grabs and the racecourse has been rewarded with a most-intriguing contest. Top-weights Azzeccagarbugli and Knife Edge have questions to answer, but their career records entitle them to the utmost respect. Fire Brigade may be able to turn round Ascot form with Zwayyan and War Glory is in good heart for his return to AW action, but the one to be on may be PACTOLUS. He comes into this contest in good form, is fully effective over C&D and seems sure to be on the premises. Greatest Journey and Glory Awaits are others to consider.