Pauline & Dave Smart Diamond Anniversary Handicap

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 2m 29.06s

(3)

Nabbeyl^p1²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: J Mitchell| T: R Varian| OR: 77| BF

15/8

Cheekpieces now go on for the first-time as he tries handicaps for the second time (failed to meet expectations last time; 11-10 favourite). Not sure to get the stronger gallop that he needs but remains full of potential may do better upped in trip.

Form: 532-3

(4)

Autumn Pride²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 75

4/1

Showed far more than he had on his previous two starts last time out at Lingfield when second to a very short-priced favourite over this trip. Now makes his handicap/turf debut and could have more to offer in this sphere.

Form: 322

(1)

Little India¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke| OR: 74

14/1

Upped in trip and back from a wind op last time when sent to Kempton for her handicap debut (1m4f); showed improved form. Little more needed off this sort of mark plus a greater test of stamina may be in order before she's of interest.

Form: 220-4

(2)

Agent Basterfield⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 70| BF

6/5

Promising in two runs this year having been upped in trip (probably looks as though he could do with this 1m4f) from his juvenile days. His run last time back on the turf at Yarmouth (runner up) suggested he wouldn't be long going one better.

Form: 046-22

Forecasts

Agent Basterfield (6/5), Nabbeyl (15/8), Autumn Pride (4/1), Little India (14/1)

With the Andrew Balding team reeling off the winners in the early part of the season AGENT BASTERFIELD is taken to go one better than in his two starts so far this year with this extra 2f looking likely to bring about the progress needed. Nabbeyl looks the main danger although the lack of pace in the race may once again compromise his chance with Autumn Pride stepping into handicaps for the first time the unknown quantity although his form so far falls short of what is required to win this.