20:50 Epsom Downs

Thursday 4 July 2019

All18:0518:4019:1519:4520:2020:50

Langley Vale Handicap

Off time: 20:57 | Winning time: 2m 6.72s

(6)

Mr Scaramanga²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Tom Marquand| T: S Dow| OR: 82

11/4

Hasn't won on turf since 2017 but has been running in higher class races. Finished a good third in C&D on Oaks Day in May before disappointing in 1m2f Sandown handicap. Races from 4lb out of the handicap but claims if replicating penultimate run.

Form: 650238

(5)

Statuario¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: R Spencer| OR: 78

5/2

Made a modest stable debut when fifth of 10 at Thirsk (1m4f, good to soft) last month, but had been in good form over hurdles before then. Now 2lb below last winning mark and is an interesting contender.

Form: 38893-5

(4)

Delph Crescent^p²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 77| D

7/1

Has had a mixed bag of form this season so far with his last two starts being forgettable efforts, including when a 13l eighth in 1m2f York handicap on latest start. Only dropped 2lb for that and has a bit to prove.

Form: 032548

(7)

Hackbridge^v⁸⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Charlie Bennett| T: P Phelan| OR: 75| D

12/1

Consistent gelding who has hit the crossbar in three starts this season, most recently when only beaten a nose in 1m Windsor handicap. Leniently raised 2lb for that run and this looks a prime opportunity to get a deserved success.

Form: 114-222

(3)

Ashazuri^h³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman| OR: 72| D

11/2

2-3 this season and posted a career-best when landing 11-runner handicap at Sandown (1m1f, good to firm) in May. Only raised 3lb for that success and is a leading contender.

Form: 248-151

(2)

Allegiant²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: Callum Shepherd| T: S C Williams| OR: 70| C

9/2

Course winner last season but hasn't been able to progress from that run and flopped when last of 13 at Sandown (1m2f, soft) last time out. Remains 5lb above last winning mark and others make more appeal.

Form: 519-230

(1)

Narjes^h²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: L Morris| T: Mrs L J Mongan| OR: 70| D

16/1

Has remained on similar handicap mark in previous five starts, but failed to show her true colours when 7l fourth in 1m Brighton handicap on latest start. Return to this trip a plus but needs to find a bit on form to be competitive.

Form: 132854

Non-Runners

(8)

Pendo¹⁴

Weight: 8-8| Age: 8

T: J R Best J: Kieren Fox

Forecasts

Statuario (5/2), Mr Scaramanga (11/4), Allegiant (9/2), Ashazuri (11/2), Delph Crescent (7/1), Pendo (10/1), Hackbridge (12/1), Narjes (16/1)

Despite not registering a win so far this season, HACKBRIDGE looks to have a prime opportunity to back up some promising performances this season. The step up to 1m2f can only be a positive on the basis of his last run and off a handy weight he is likely to be the one to beat. Ashazuri has also performed with significant credit this season and the nature of her Sandown success makes her a leading contender, while Statuario is back on a likeable mark and cannot be ignored if he improves from his Thirsk run.