32Red Handicap

Off time: 18:47 | Winning time: 1m 13.14s

(4)

Excellent George^p1,t⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: P J McDonald| T: S C Williams| OR: 84| D

10/1

Has enjoyed a very good year and back on last winning mark, however below-par the last twice and best AW form has tended to come elsewhere.

Form: 315276-

(2)

Upavon²³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-7| J: A Kirby| T: A W Carroll| OR: 84| CD

16/1

Twice a C&D winner but hasn't raced here since 2014 and now only 1lb higher than last winning mark on first run for this stable. Failed to beat a horse home on turf the last twice but a much better performer on the AW and can go well fresh.

Form: 321347-

(5)

Fivetwoeight⁸⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: L Morris| T: P W Chapple-Hyam| OR: 78| BF| CD

8/1

Both career wins have come over this C&D and only 2lb higher than last winning mark. Ran up to his very best over 5f here when last seen in October and should have more progress to come at this trip. Goes well first up and respected.

Form: 7/24183-

(6)

Compas Scoobie⁸⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: R Kingscote| T: S C Williams| OR: 77| CD

5/2

Former C&D winner and four from 15 on an AW surface. In top form with two wins and a second from his last three and remains on a competitive mark, however all AW wins have come in a lower grade and this will be tougher.

Form: 045121-

(3)

Busby^p²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: M Dwyer| T: C Allen| OR: 76| BF| CD

11/8

Lightly-raced and a former C&D winner off 6lb lower. Has run to a similar and consistent level of form in three runs since that win and probably just needed a stronger pace to aim at the last twice. Should go well but pace up front a concern again.

Form: 411333-

(1)

Bernie's Boy^p⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 8-11| J: Grace McEntee⁽⁷⁾| T: P S McEntee| OR: 74| C| D

7/1

Has eased to a competitive mark and has been racing to a consistent standard over various trips between 5f and 7f. This is a rise in grade however and likely to prove tougher.

Form: 0735-42

Forecasts

Busby (11/8), Compas Scoobie (5/2), Bernie's Boy (7/1), Fivetwoeight (8/1), Excellent George (10/1), Upavon (16/1)

There's no clear front runner which rates a concern for Busby but he's in consistent form and likely to race well once again. Upavon has an absence to overcome and was tailed off when last seen but he's a far better horse on the AW and has to be respected with a good fresh record. Likewise FIVETWOEIGHT races well following a break, is lightly-raced for his age, on an upward curve and is ideally suited by this C&D.