Henry Alken Handicap

Off time: 20:45 | Winning time: 2m 33.83s

(2)

Babbo's Boy²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Watson| T: M L W Bell| OR: 85

5/4

Has improved with each of his four starts, and kept on willingly to beat a highly-regarded rival at Yarmouth last time, with the pair clear. Can do better yet, and has leading claims.

Form: 74-21

(4)

Fearless Warrior³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: P J Dobbs| T: R M Beckett| OR: 84

3/1

Beat Just Hubert at Kempton before he was outstayed by a stable companion at Newmarket in October. Fair third at Bath on return, when not getting a clear run, but seemed beaten on merit.

Form: 3312-3

(1)

Sapa Inca⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 75| BF

15/8

Likes to make the running and has improved since being upped in trip, but can still be a bit too free for her own good, and beaten off similar marks on her last three starts, suggesting she's vulnerable again.

Form: 344-232

(3)

Tigray¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 74| D

16/1

Well bred but disappointing in seven starts for Joseph O'Brien. Has improved on AW for new yard, winning at Southwell last month, but now needs to show he can translate that progress to turf.

Form: 702212

Non-Runners

(5)

Aspire Tower¹⁵

Weight: 9-7| Age: 3

T: S Gollings J: H Crouch

Forecasts

Babbo's Boy (5/4), Sapa Inca (15/8), Fearless Warrior (3/1), Aspire Tower (6/1), Tigray (16/1)

BABBO'S BOY came well clear with a well-regarded sort at Yarmouth last time, and looks the answer to this puzzle, whether or not the pace is sound. Sapa Inca will control the speed and is running well, but remains vulnerable for win purposes, while Fearless Warrior needs to improve on a fair third at Bath, for all he had to be switched wide for a run there.