Carey Group Buckhounds Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 2m 38.0s

(4)

Barsanti²²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: R Varian| OR: 111| CD

13/8

Won this race on last year's return to action, and belated built on that when a fine neck second of 5 to Communique in listed race at Newmarket on his final start. Should go well again.

Form: 2/14542-

(1)

Pilansberg^b²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: Megan Nicholls| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 108

66/1

egressive hurdler when trained by Paul Nicholls, and unseated his rider leaving the stalls at Newbury for new yard last time. Biting off more than he can chew here.

Form: 13430/U

(2)

Salouen¹⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: S Kirk| OR: 117

4/6

Only narrowly denied by Cracksman in Coronation Cup at Epsom last summer, and several other creditable efforts in defeat last season. The one to beat on form despite his losing run.

Form: 234369-

(3)

What About Carlo¹⁵⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 9-0| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 100

14/1

Best effort last year came on return at Epsom, and shouldn't lack for fitness. It's now close to two years since his last win, however, and looks vulnerable here against classy younger rivals.

Form: 355900-

Forecasts

Salouen (4/6), Barsanti (13/8), What About Carlo (14/1), Pilansberg (66/1)

This looks a match between SALOUEN and last season's winner Barsanti, and Sylvester Kirk's charge is the pick on form, particularly bearing in mind his huge run in last year's Coronation Cup. What About Carlo can pick up any crumbs.