William Hill Handicap

Off time: 19:06 | Winning time: 2m 38.47s

(6)

Mandalayan²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman| OR: 86

9/4

Yet to add to novice win but has improved for the step up in trip and was only just headed late in a career-best at Leicester on his return. Open to more progress and a big player down in class.

Form: 63673-2

(1)

Hyanna²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 86| D

7/2

Proved progressive last year with three wins. Not disgraced but got no pace to aim at on her return and will likely be better for the run. Rates a leading contender with more to come.

Form: 11242-6

(5)

Lissitzky¹⁷³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: A Kirby| T: A M Balding| OR: 82

13/2

Progressive in first three starts in novice company last year and unsuited by step up to 1m6f on handicap debut. Down 2lb and gelded ahead of return. Possibilities back at this trip if market speaks in his favour.

Form: 7128-

(2)

Dono Di Dio²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Scott McCullagh⁽⁷⁾| T: M Madgwick| OR: 79

7/1

In flying form on the AW at Kempton with two wins and three seconds from her last six starts. The below par run came at Lingfield so while she is improving, she does need to show she can transfer her form elsewhere. Unproven on fast ground.

Form: 19-2221

(3)

Mary Elise¹¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-4| J: Raul Da Silva| T: M Blake| OR: 65

33/1

Seven-race maiden for Eve Johnson Houghton with her best effort coming over this trip. Well beaten on previous turf run and faces stiff company on stable debut.

Form: 23776-3

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to all bets - deduction 25p in the pound

Non-Runners

(4)

Past Master¹⁸⁷

Weight: 9-7| Age: 6

T: H Candy J: David Probert

Forecasts

Mandalayan (9/4), Past Master (3/1), Hyanna (7/2), Lissitzky (13/2), Dono Di Dio (7/1), Mary Elise (33/1)

Some nice improving types on show but in a small field there's a chance the only one who likes to make the pace, PAST MASTER, could get an uncontested lead and he'll be fitter for a smart season reappearance. Mandalayan got wide at Leicester so there was a lot to like about his narrow defeat while Hyanna had excuses on her return.