Betway Stayers' Handicap

Off time: 17:15 | Winning time: 3m 42.88s

(4)

Alabaster^p¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 84

9/2

Won three of his last four races in 2017, and entitled to have needed the run after a long absence over 1m4f here recently. Ought to build on that, and longer trip in his favour now.

Form: 41121/7

(2)

Chocolate Box²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: Liam Jones| T: D M Loughnane| OR: 82

9/1

Good effort to win on his 2018 return at Chelmsford, and although he lost his form later in the year, he put in a promising effort over hurdles at Doncaster earlier this month, and won't be too far away if continuing in the same vein..

Form: 143054-

(1)

Markhan^t²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: J P Spencer| T: G Elliott| OR: 82

7/2

In fine form at Dundalk of late, winning over 1m4f there last month, and improving again when beaten a nose over same trip last time. Unproven beyond that trip, but has improved as stamina has been tested, so may yet do better.

Form: 17213-2

(3)

Red Royalist²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: S W Kelly| T: S Edmunds| OR: 76

3/1

Made the frame in maiden hurdles at Huntingdon and Doncaster late year, and produced his best effort on the Flat when 1L second of 10 to Blazon at Kempton (2m) last time. Respected given his positive profile.

Form: 43163/2

(5)

Moon of Baroda^b²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: David Probert| T: C Hills| OR: 75

9/4

Best effort when second to Artamon in a 1m6f handicap at Sandown in the summer, and may have needed the run when 2½L fourth of 10 to Blazon at Kempton last time, when behind Red Royalist. Not dismissed.

Form: 57325-4

Forecasts

Moon of Baroda (9/4), Red Royalist (3/1), Markhan (7/2), Alabaster (9/2), Chocolate Box (9/1)

None can be dismissed, but MOON OF BARODA gets the nod after shaping well behind Red Royalist last time, and he should be up to winning handicaps off his current mark. Alabaster will be better for a run over shorter here recently, and is feared most, although Markhan is a threat to all if staying this trip at the first attempt.