Terry Mills & John Akehurst Handicap

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 1m 9.69s

(1)

Ashpan Sam^p¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 9-10| J: William Carson| T: David Drinkwater| OR: 89| CD

8/1

Three-time C&D winner who scored back in July over 5f at Lingfield. Not really been competitive in two starts since although raced alone at Newmarket last time which surely didn't help. More needed on the balance but loves it here.

Form: 7-39145

(5)

Desert Frost^p²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Rossa Ryan⁽³⁾| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 88| D

7/4

Proving frustrating for connections, placing in all five races this season without success. Handicapper takes a dim view of such consistency and again raises him 1lb for latest Ayr second. Excellent 3lb claimer could make the difference.

Form: 6-23322

(3)

Highland Acclaim^h¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-6| J: David Probert| T: D O'Meara| OR: 85| CD

7/2

Four-time C&D winner including winning this last year. Good third two starts ago at Pontefract showed that current mark within his compass although lesser effort since at Redcar. Appreciates genuine fast ground so that the concern.

Form: 931339

(2)

Handytalk¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Jason Watson⁽³⁾| T: B R Millman| OR: 81| D

11/4

Second to Highland Acclaim in this race a year ago off a 4lb higher mark. Ran well here again over C&D when second in July but lesser efforts since at Goodwood and Kempton. Mark now most definitely of interest so better expected.

Form: 538205

(4)

Mont Kiara^p¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: F Norton| T: K A Ryan| OR: 73| D

13/2

Over a year since he won and form since mostly well below that level. Had wind op earlier this year but that made no obvious difference so clutching at straws a little at present.

Form: 993578

Forecasts

Desert Frost (7/4), Handytalk (11/4), Highland Acclaim (7/2), Mont Kiara (13/2), Ashpan Sam (8/1)

After several nice efforts DESERT FROST can finally get his head in front with today's rider more than good value for his 3lb claim and that can make the difference for this gelding who has been hitting the crossbar this summer. Last year's winner Highland Acclaim loves it here and won over C&D back in July, he is a big danger as long as the rain stays away. His main rival a year ago Handytalk should again be involved too.