15:40 Epsom Downs

Monday 27 August 2018

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:25

China Southern Sanya Amateurs' Derby Handicap (Gentleman Amateur Riders)

Off time: 15:43 | Winning time: 2m 45.15s

(4)

C'Est No Mour¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Mr Simon Walker| T: P Hedger| OR: 81| CD

7/2

Winner of this contest under the same rider 12 months ago, and several solid efforts in 2018, including when second off 3lb higher at Windsor in June. No impact in cheekpieces last time, but expected to bounce back.

Form: 082358

(6)

Je Suis Charlie^p²³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr J J Codd| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 80| D

4/1

Sole handicap win in this sphere came from 3lb lower over this trip at Catterick (good) a year ago. Has won over hurdles since, but Flat form for current yard has been underwhelming.

Form: 125-085

(2)

Medalla De Oro¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-5| J: Mr F Maguire| T: P W Chapple-Hyam| OR: 79

5/1

Won twice at Windsor last year, and back in form last two starts, notably when caught in shadow of the post after attempting to make all at Haydock last time. Respected in current heart.

Form: 66-3022

(7)

Pretty Jewel⁸⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Dr Misha Voikhansky⁽⁴⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 78| D

4/1

Has won three times under owner/rider, most recently on soft ground at Goodwood (1m1f) in June. Followed up over further there next time, and clearly thriving. Conditions no problem, and expected to go well.

Form: 2-13111

(1)

Whinging Willie^v¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Mr George Gorman⁽²⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 75| CD

20/1

Won Apprentices' Derby here last year, and in frame in Amateurs' and Jump Jockeys' versions in previous years. Not the force of old, though, and beaten 11L when second at Brighton last time.

Form: 6-70472

(5)

Orsino³³²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: Mr Kaine Wood| T: S Spencer| OR: 75

10/1

Won over 1¾m at Salisbury in August 2017, and bit unlucky on final start for Andrew Balding following month. Returns from absence for a new yard, and would have claims if proving his ability remains intact.

Form: 643153-

(9)

Virnon⁴¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: William Humphrey⁽⁶⁾| T: Mrs S J Humphrey| OR: 70| BF| D

50/1

Not seen since running over fences at Uttoxeter 13 months ago, and must prove he retains his old ability, while most of his Flat runs in recent years have been on Fibresand.

Form: 64/4313-

(8)

Roy Rocket¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Mr R Birkett| T: John Berry| OR: 70| D

12/1

Brighton specialist who gained ninth course win there on latest start. Has finished fifth in this race for last two years, and capable of getting closer in current heart.

Form: 331131

(3)

Country'n'western¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: George Eddery⁽⁴⁾| T: D R C Elsworth| OR: 70| D

11/2

Showed ability in qualifying runs, and improved to land an amateur riders' event at Catterick on handicap bow last time for this rider. Lightly raced for his age, and likely to do better still.

Form: 7-771

Forecasts

C'Est No Mour (7/2), Je Suis Charlie (4/1), Pretty Jewel (4/1), Medalla De Oro (5/1), Country'n'western (11/2), Orsino (10/1), Roy Rocket (12/1), Whinging Willie (20/1), Virnon (50/1)

Some top jockeys in action, but this can go to PRETTY JEWEL, who has a good record for her corinthian owner/rider, and will handle conditions better than most. Last year's winner C'Est No Mour has dropped to a good mark, and ought to bounce back from a modest effort in headgear, with Brighton specialist Roy Rocket holding place possibilities in his current good heart, for all he's not managed better than fifth in previous runnings.