Peter Claringbold 65th Birthday Handicap

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 2m 8.27s

(4)

Commander Cole^h²²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: George Wood| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 99| D

7/4

Career-best when winning eight-runner handicap at Doncaster this month over similar trip. Raised 4lb, which looks fair, and should be right in the melting pot again.

Form: 11/4651

(6)

Great Hall⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 9-12| J: Fran Berry| T: M Quinn| OR: 97| C| D

16/1

Has won plenty of races during his career (9-53), with latest at Ripon in April. Came home at walking pace last week over 1m4f at Newmarket however and tough to recommend on that showing.

Form: 157946

(1)

Another Eclipse^b²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 87| D

13/8

Yet to add to maiden win and has paid for his consistency with his mark edging slowly upwards. Likely to be involved again but question as to whether he'll go through with it (entered Goodwood 4.25 Saturday).

Form: 232-933

(2)

Protected Guest²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-3| J: David Egan| T: G G Margarson| OR: 81| C

11/4

33/1 first time out winner this season at this course (1m, good to firm), hasn't built on that in four subsequent starts after being hit with an 8lb rise from the handicapper. Competitive at Newmarket on Friday over this trip.

Form: 2-13644

Non-Runners

(5)

Red Label¹²⁰

Weight: 10-0| Age: 4

T: M Botti J: Non Runner

(3)

Bless Him¹⁵

Weight: 9-10| Age: 4

T: D M Simcock J: J P Spencer

Forecasts

Another Eclipse (13/8), Commander Cole (7/4), Protected Guest (11/4), Bless Him (4/1), Red Label (14/1), Great Hall (16/1)

BLESS HIM has run well in defeat this season in some strong races. This one might not be as taxing and he's now fallen 5lb in the ratings from his starting point. The longer trip could eke more out of him and Jamie Spencer is riding with supreme confidence right now. They should go close. Commander Cole comes here off a career-best at Doncaster and is certain to be involved with a repeat while Another Eclipse is also respected (should he turn up). Protected Guest was competitive at Newmarket on Friday and can be that again despite a quick turnaround.