Betway Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 2m 5.35s

(3)

Nonios^h¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-1| J: Dylan Hogan⁽³⁾| T: D M Simcock| OR: 91| D

15/2

Second to an unexposed Godolphin horse on sole C&D start two months ago off 4lbs higher. Excuses since but interesting here under an Irish apprentice who's ridden 31 winners.

Form: 24425-3

(4)

C Note^t⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: Ellie Mackenzie⁽⁷⁾| T: H Main| OR: 88| D

11/10

Has an opportunity to set the steady fractions that yielded success at Newmarket in November and which took him close in a good race here last week. Dangerous on that score with a capable rider on board.

Form: 70145-4

(5)

Isomer⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Joshua Bryan| T: A M Balding| OR: 87

3/1

Inconsistent profile but on a nice weight judged on his Ascot success and AW second to Pactolus. Not so good on last two starts but he has looked in need of this longer trip. Headgear removed and he has the assistance of an experienced claimer.

Form: 1024-47

(2)

Fayez^p¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: C J McGovern| T: D O'Meara| OR: 87| CD

9/2

C&D winner who likes to be produced late off a strong pace. Ran a cracker considering he had a lot going against him at Newcastle in a similarly small field. That run makes him hard to dismiss under an apprentice who knows him well.

Form: 04654-2

(1)

Central City^p¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: William Cox| T: Ian Williams| OR: 74

6/1

Versatile sort who has now at trips ranging from 6f-1m3f. Remains on a handy mark following last success. Something to prove in this much higher grade, but his versatility will be an asset in what is likely be a tactical race.

Form: 1309-51

Forecasts

C Note (11/10), Isomer (3/1), Fayez (9/2), Central City (6/1), Nonios (15/2)

C Note is the key to this race as he is the pace angle and typically he likes to slow things down. He has shown a tendency to hang on his last two starts which could be a problem around here under a less experienced rider. Nonios, Isomer and Fayez would typically prefer a more honest pace, but all three have talented riders on board. CENTRAL CITY has struggled to win outside of classes 5-6. However, on this occasion his ability to win over a variety of distances, plus a mark that remains attractive, combine to make him a more attractive proposition under a rider with 53 winners to his name.