16:45 Newmarket

Thursday 18 April 2019

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

bet365 Handicap

Off time: 16:45 | Winning time: 1m 26.67s

(1)

Cenotaph⁷⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: J Noseda| OR: 105| D

14/1

Thrived on Polytrack last year, and landed a hat-trick when winning the Chelmsford City Cup (7f) in September. Runner-up next two starts, and excuses at Lingfield in February, but not certain to prove as effective back on turf.

Form: 1112-26

(5)

Mubtasim^h⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 105| D

5/2

In the handicapper's grip last year, but ran well enough on occasions, and won over this trip at Meydan in February. Fine second there last time, and claims if translating that form to home soil.

Form: 0574-12

(2)

On The Warpath⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: James Doyle| T: C Appleby| OR: 101| D

5/2

Lighltly raced in 2018, and best effort in three runs at Meydan this year when beating stablemate Mubtasim over 7f last time. Little to choose between the pair once more.

Form: 1/52-231

(9)

Betty F²³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: L Dettori| T: J Noseda| OR: 99| D

12/1

Showed improved form last summer, not beaten far in a Goodwood Group 3 and then third over this trip at York in handicap company. Both those runs against fillies, though, and this demands more.

Form: 8/30173-

(8)

Rufus King¹⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 99| CD

20/1

Winner at Chelmsford off a 1lb lower mark back in August. Not quite so good subsequently, although not beaten far at Lingfield in November. Has a C&D win to his name in the past, so can't be dismissed.

Form: 102893-

(3)

Zap²⁰⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: Sean Davis⁽⁵⁾| T: R A Fahey| OR: 97| D

11/1

Won Silver Bunbury Cup on July course last summer, and got up late to win at Leopardstown in September. Starts new season on a fair mark, and should pay his way once more.

Form: 194016-

(4)

Gilgamesh^p¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-12| J: Harry Bentley| T: George Scott| OR: 96| D

10/1

Impressive winner at York last May and runner-up in a C&D handicap in September, but still expensive to follow. Forgiven a low-key start to the season at Kempton and should do better, but patience wearing a little thin.

Form: 07020-7

(6)

Hajjam¹⁸⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: Jim Crowley| T: D O'Meara| OR: 95| D

20/1

Best effort last year (three wins) when scoring in heavy ground at Ayr in September. Fairly treated on that, but disappointing either side of that run, and must bring his A game.

Form: 772017-

(11)

Presidential¹⁵⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-7| J: B A Curtis| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 90| BF| CD

16/1

Versatile sort with regards to both ground and trip, as shown when winning in soft conditions over C&D in November. Ended 2018 with a good third at Doncaster, although stepping up the class ladder here.

Form: 770413-

(7)

Game Player¹⁹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 89| CD

13/2

Belatedly got the hang of things, winning a novice at Lingfield followed by a C&D handicap, both in September. Ran even better when second at Ascot on final start., and shortlisted despite being 11lb above his winning mark for yard in fine form.

Form: 4/27112-

Non-Runners

(10)

War Glory⁸

Weight: 8-10| Age: 6

T: R Hannon J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Mubtasim (5/2), On The Warpath (5/2), Game Player (13/2), Gilgamesh (10/1), Zap (11/1), Betty F (12/1), Cenotaph (14/1), Presidential (16/1), War Glory (16/1), Hajjam (20/1), Rufus King (20/1)

Mubtasim and On The Warpath are closely matched on Meydan form and need respect, for all it's been rather a mixed week for Godolphin . GAME PLAYER was really hitting his straps when last seen in the autumn, and looks one to follow in handicaps this season, with his in-from trainer's decision to run here rather than find an easier opening looking significant. Gilgamesh may have a dwindling army of followers, but this talented colt still gives the impression he can win a big prize when everything drops right, and he is feared most.