Ladbrokes Handicap

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 2m 36.24s

(5)

Gantier^b³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: K T O'Neill| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 81

5/2

Progressive son of Frankel was off the mark on his fourth start and built on that again when second on handicap debut here last month. Breeding and running style suggests there should be plenty more to come now up in trip.

Form: 02-212

(4)

Patchouli²³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Charles Bishop| T: M R Channon| OR: 78

25/1

Tried in Listed company following a win last year and now takes a significant step up in trip on first run since August. A sister to 1m4f winner Fannie By Gaslight so may stay the trip but some improvement required off opening handicap mark

Form: 8165-

(1)

Water's Edge³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: J Tate| OR: 78

4/1

Followed a Lingfield novice with a similar level of form when third of four over 1m1.5f here. A similar performance would see him involved but didn't shape as though this extra distance would definitely suit.

Form: 535-213

(2)

Caplin¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 77| CD

6/4

Given a classic front-running ride when getting an uncontested lead over this C&D following a 133-days break and a gelding operation. Not certain to get his own way here but it was an improved performance and likely there's more to come.

Form: 0824-1

(3)

Paradise Boy¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 76| D

6/1

Ran well considering the race was run to finish a staying on second to Caplin on handicap debut over this C&D. Gets a 3lb pull in the weights and with a stronger tempo, he should have plenty more to offer off this mark.

Form: 3-122

(6)

Hurricane Hero¹⁵⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke| OR: 74

16/1

Good third in a French maiden when last seen in October over 1m2f. Clearly benefited from the step up in trip and has the pedigree to progress again over this longer distance. Gelded ahead of return and can be competitive on handicap debut.

Form: 5653-

Forecasts

Caplin (6/4), Gantier (5/2), Water's Edge (4/1), Paradise Boy (6/1), Hurricane Hero (16/1), Patchouli (25/1)

An intriguing contest where none of the six can be confidently ruled out. Gantier and Hurricane Hero should have more to offer now stepping up in distance and hold progressive profiles. The latter may give Caplin something to think about up front and that can help PARADISE BOY reverse their C&D form in what should be another tight clash between the pair.