15:55 Ascot

Saturday 8 September 2018

All13:3514:1014:4515:2015:5516:3017:05

Lavazza Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 2m 29.08s

(9)

Ghostwatch^p¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 98| D

5/2

First run since being gelded when landing the valuable 1m6f Melrose Handicap at York. Needs to step forward again off 6lb higher mark over a shorter trip which may not be ideal.

Form: 131521

(7)

First Eleven^t⁵⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 97| BF

5/2

Progressive Frankel colt who started slowly when fiftfh of eight in a Group 3 contest at Newmarket last month. Had previously finished a most creditable third in the King George V Handicap over C&D at the Royal meeting and competes off 6lb higher.

Form: 62-2135

(3)

Alternative Fact^h1²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 97

14/1

Promising juvenile who found it tough in Group contests on first two starts this year, but has been happier in two subsequent handicaps. May need to drop a few pounds before getting his head back in front.

Form: 12-6852

(10)

Midi⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: David Probert| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 88

5/1

Beautifully-bred colt who has won his last two starts in novice company over 1m2f at Windsor and Newcastle. Looks a long-term prospect for his patient trainer, but opening handicap mark could well underestimate his ability as he steps up in trip.

Form: 0-11

(2)

Fairlight¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: J P Spencer| T: L M Cumani| OR: 87| D

11/1

Won a three-runner Newmarket maiden by 16L and first run in a handicap at Brighton saw him prevail by a head. Has to cope with a 4lb rise, but this is only his fifth start and there should be plenty more to come.

Form: 3511

(4)

Rashdan^b²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Nicola Currie⁽³⁾| T: H Palmer| OR: 86

20/1

Won on handicap debit at Newcastle in July, but went up 5lb to this mark and struggled at Chelmsford last time when he was hampered late on. Has a bit to prove after that display and both wins have come on the AW.

Form: 4-1819

(11)

Berkshire Royal³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: Jason Watson⁽³⁾| T: A M Balding| OR: 85| BF| D

11/2

Winner of three handicaps this season and ran particularly well behind a progressive sort over C&D two starts ago. Climbing the weights and was beaten off 2lb lower last time, but is dangerous to rule out.

Form: 124122

(5)

Rustang¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: David Egan| T: R Hughes| OR: 85| D

18/1

Likeable performer who has won three handicaps this season. Beaten off this rating at Chelmsford last time, however, and looks vulnerable to less-exposed rivals.

Form: 101413

(1)

Hyanna²³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: Hollie Doyle| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 84| BF| D

18/1

Back-to-back wins at Epsom and Newmarket before running with credit to be second off higher mark at Salisbury. Raised another 3lb and although she is a consistent sort who looks sure to give her running, the handicapper may have caught up with her.

Form: 123112

(6)

Dr Richard Kimble^b²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 83| D

25/1

Blinkered for the first time when making all to win a four-runner contest at Ripon. Unlikely to be handed an uncontested lead this time and looks to have plenty on his plate off 6lb higher.

Form: 534931

Non-Runners

(8)

Fannie By Gaslight¹³

Weight: 8-0| Age: 3

T: M R Channon J: N Mackay

Forecasts

First Eleven (5/2), Ghostwatch (5/2), Midi (5/1), Berkshire Royal (11/2), Fairlight (11/1), Alternative Fact (14/1), Fannie By Gaslight (16/1), Hyanna (18/1), Rustang (18/1), Rashdan (20/1), Dr Richard Kimble (25/1)

Top-weight Ghostwatch looked good at York, but faces a stiff task back in trip off a higher mark, so the vote goes to FIRST ELEVEN, who was biting off more than he could chew in Group company last time, but had previously run a cracker over this trip at the Royal meeting. Midi races for the same owner as the selection and could give him most to do, while the other dangers are headed by Fairlight and Berkshire Royal.