Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Handicap

Off time: 16:26 | Winning time: 2m 43.92s

(5)

Gantier^b²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 81

5/2

Consistent form on the AW since the turn of the year. Second to a progressive sort at Wolverhampton last month, but was slightly disappointing off 2lb higher at that track last time on his first attempt at this distance.

Form: 02-2123

(3)

Smarter¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: B A Curtis| T: W J Haggas| OR: 78| D

3/1

Off the mark at the fifth attempt when bolting up in a Southwell handicap earlier this month. Has been raised 14lb and has a different surface to cope with, but is open to further improvement.

Form: 046-71

(4)

Fox Fearless^p1¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S De Sousa| T: K R Burke| OR: 78

15/2

Promise in four starts for Ralph Beckett and was making his debut for this stable when third of six, beaten quite a long way, at Leicester recently. Down 2lb, sports cheekpieces for the first time and in-form jockey takes the ride.

Form: 3622-3

(1)

Allocator²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R Hannon| OR: 77

12/1

Placed twice in three starts in novice/maiden company. First time in a handicap and is not obviously well treated, but is respected nevertheless.

Form: 337

(2)

Bo Samraan⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 77| BF

7/4

Still looking for his first win after five runs, but improving as he steps up in trip and latest close third over 1m2f at Nottingham represented another step forward. Every chance this longer trip will suit.

Form: 3564-3

Forecasts

Bo Samraan (7/4), Gantier (5/2), Smarter (3/1), Fox Fearless (15/2), Allocator (12/1)

Chances can be given to all the five runners and it would be no surprise were Gantier to defy top weight. However, it may be worth looking at the opposite end of the handicap with BO SAMRAAN, who shapes as though this longer distance will suit and has wriggle room off this mark. Smarter has shot up the weights for his clear-cut success at Southwell and has to cope with a completely different surface, but is much respected, while Fox Fearless and Allocator have the ability to figure, too.