H.A.C. Pipeline Supplies Handicap

3YO only | Class 4 | 6f | 4 Runners | Turf

(2)

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: S M Levey| T: W J Haggas| OR: 83| BF| D

Has targeted soft ground in his four starts on turf start so far (just one other on the AW). Career best so far came on soft ground over this trip at Ayr two starts back and likely needs testing conditions. Plenty more to come for in form stable.

Form: 51-424

(4)

Welcoming³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 79| BF| D

Progressive in her first four starts for Clive Cox, including a heavy ground win. Well behind runner-up Aplomb last time at Ascot when very disappointing. Remains lightly raced but needs to bounce back for new stable.

Form: 231-58

(3)

Triple Distilled⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Rowan Scott⁽³⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 76| D

Heavy ground winner on his final start for Kevin Ryan last year and kicked on again in a strong Pontefract contest on his fourth start for current yard when switched back to soft ground. This is his trip and conditions and a leading hope.

Form: 21-7342

(1)

Delachance^h²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 74

Steady progress in first three starts and seemed suited by quicker conditions when second in a Yarmouth maiden sporting a first-time hood (retained). Given a good looking mark on handicap debut so no reason he can't go close if handling the ground.

Form: 7-32

Forecasts

Aplomb (15/8), Delachance (5/2), Triple Distilled (3/1), Welcoming (4/1)

A tight four runner contest and it's hard to dismiss any. Delachance is unproven in the extreme conditions but on a very workable opening handicap mark. Welcoming is the one with the most to prove and plenty to find with Aplomb, who is well suited by the ground and has a lot more to offer for a leading stable in flying form. The manner of last year's heavy ground success suggests TRIPLE DISTILLED is the best handicapped and he's back on an upward curve following a soft ground win in a higher grade.