Kennels Handicap

Off time: 19:01 | Winning time: 2m 41.09s

(3)

Laafy³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: P J Dobbs| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 85| BF

5/2

Getting better all the time and has only been raised 2lb for finishing runner-up to a wildly impressive winner ( who only just failed to back the form up recently) at York (1m4f; good to firm) last time. Huge player in a weaker contest.

Form: 52-12

(6)

Brasca²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 84| D

6/1

Has won a couple of ordinary races, most recently when making a winning seasonal debut at Chepstow. Now makes handicap debut off a mark which is certainly not a gift, but record of 2-3 is hard to fault though. Should remain competitive.

Form: 21-1

(2)

Never Do Nothing²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 83| BF

10/1

Has a very willing attitude and despite being winless in three starts so far this year, he produced another solid effort when only just denied at Chester (1m4f; good) last time. Smart form to his name and will be there or thereabouts once again.

Form: 311-332

(1)

Aspire Tower²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: P J McDonald| T: S Gollings| OR: 83

9/1

Most exposed in the line-up and well beaten by Ask Benjamin last time. Better off at the weights with that rival now but not open to as much improvement as some of the other contenders.

Form: 2313-53

(4)

Just Benjamin²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Liam Jones| T: W J Haggas| OR: 82| D

15/8

Progressive sort who is getting better with each run and made a successful handicap debut when a convincing winner at Musselburgh (1m4f; good to soft) last time. Up 5lb for that but further progress not ruled out as he steps up in grade.

Form: 8211

(5)

Ginistrelli⁶⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: H Crouch| T: E Walker| OR: 82

4/1

Slightly concerning that he hasn't been seen for 67 days since finishing fifth in a Novice at Windsor (1m2f; good) behind the talented Telecaster. Steps up to 1m4f on handicap debut and should go very well if none the worse for short break.

Form: 41-5

Forecasts

Just Benjamin (15/8), Laafy (5/2), Ginistrelli (4/1), Brasca (6/1), Aspire Tower (9/1), Never Do Nothing (10/1)

This is a seriously competitive three-year-old handicap in which all of the runners hold progressive profiles to varying degrees. The most appealing in the line-up is LAAFY who is well-handicapped after being raised just 2lbs for finishing second at York to a rival who was firmly on the up at the time in the shape of Summer Moon. It would be a surprise were there not more to come from him on just his fifth career start. Never Do Nothing is very likeable, as what he lacks for in ability he more than makes up for with determination, and that will work in his favour again. Just Benjamin is another name to note, with him being on a steep upward curve at present.