17:15 Epsom Downs

Sunday 30 September 2018

All14:0014:3015:0515:3516:1016:4517:15

Saga Possibilities Handicap

Off time: 17:17 | Winning time: 1m 10.05s

(3)

Your Choice³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Liam Jones| T: Mrs L J Mongan| OR: 68

8/1

Handled easy ground when runner-up at Leicester on final 2-y-o outing, and back to form when 3¼L third of 8 to Charming Guest in C&D handicap last time. Should remain competitive if ground doesn't dry out.

Form: 42-3093

(2)

Swanton Blue⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Seamus Cronin⁽⁷⁾| T: E De Giles| OR: 66| BF| D

5/2

Won at Chepstow in June, and back to form on last couple of outings, beaten in a blanket finish when fourth at Goodwood last time. Talented claimer booked, and should make his presence felt again.

Form: 784624

(8)

Roundabout Magic¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Tom Marquand| T: S Dow| OR: 66

12/1

Runner-up on heavy ground at Goodwood last month, but that good run sandwiched by lesser efforts, albeit with excuses under an aggressive ride at Sandown last time.

Form: 373820

(1)

Seamster^t¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 9-5| J: Laura Coughlan⁽⁷⁾| T: D Loughnane| OR: 65| D

12/1

Back to form of late, making the frame in 5f handicaps at Chepstow and Catterick, both for this rider. Effective at this trip, and capable of a big run despite his advancing years.

Form: 374523

(9)

Canford's Joy³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: S De Sousa| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 67| D

7/2

Well below form this year for Ann Duffield, but hinted at a revival last time, and starts off for new yard on a reduced mark. Jockey booking also gives cause for optimism, and market check advised.

Form: 00-0705

(7)

Spanish Star^v⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Jason Watson⁽³⁾| T: P R Chamings| OR: 65| BF

13/2

Consistent on the figures, but remains a maiden. Ran well when second in handicap at Salisbury behind Look Surprised in July, but disappointed when favourite at Brighton (5½f, soft) last time, finding little off the bridle.

Form: 542324

(5)

Incentive^p²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: L P Keniry| T: W S Kittow| OR: 63| D

8/1

Hasn't really built on a promising second at Goodwood on her return, and raced too freely off a modest pace when third of 7 to Curious Fox at same course last time. Claims if settling better now.

Form: 0-32533

(6)

Soaring Spirits²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: H Crouch| T: D K Ivory| OR: 62| D

16/1

A mixed back this year, and while he seemed to run well when second to De Vegas Kid at Brighton last time, he posed no win threat there, and is easy enough to oppose on balance.

Form: 610402

(4)

Crosse Fire^b¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 8-9| J: Theodore Ladd⁽⁵⁾| T: S Dixon| OR: 55| D

10/1

Runner-up on fast ground at Catterick early last month, but while he's not been discredited in subsequent starts, he's lacked the same spark. Others preferred again.

Form: 602657

(10)

Arctic Flower⁷¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: K T O'Neill| T: J J Bridger| OR: 48

50/1

Well below form this year, and makes very little appeal from 6lb out of the handicap proper.

Form: 09-7077

Forecasts

Swanton Blue (5/2), Canford's Joy (7/2), Spanish Star (13/2), Your Choice (8/1), Incentive (8/1), Crosse Fire (10/1), Roundabout Magic (12/1), Seamster (12/1), Soaring Spirits (16/1), Arctic Flower (50/1)

Seamus Cronin's claim could come in handy on SWANTON BLUE, who has gone close on his last two starts, and is best drawn of the front runners. He may have most to fear from admirable veteran Seamster, although Canford's Joy is potentially well treated if he's been revived by a move to the Amy Murphy yard, and the booking of Silvestre de Sousa gives hope on that score.