MansionBet 'Hands And Heels' Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 17:20 | Winning time: 2m 29.68s

(2)

Battle Of Marathon⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: Laura Pearson⁽³⁾| T: J Ryan| OR: 73

7/1

Finished third in the 2018 Winter Derby but it has been a tale of woe since and his mark has slipped from 102 to 71 in the meantime. An overall record of 2-43 urges a degree of caution.

Form: 976745

(3)

Bartholomew J⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Morgan Cole⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs L Pearce| OR: 72| CD

15/2

Completed a hat-trick of course wins in this event 12 months ago off 1lb lower. Beaten wide margins on his seven starts since and only a market move would enhance his current appeal.

Form: 1150-74

(5)

Brittanic⁹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Sean Kirrane| T: D M Simcock| OR: 72

8/1

Won his first two starts as a juvenile but has proved disappointing since and finished last when dropped into this grade last time. Has the ability and an attractive mark, but has been out of form and needs to prove he stays.

Form: 0-45856

(1)

Potters Lady Jane¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: Joe Bradnam⁽⁵⁾| T: L Wadham| OR: 71| CD

3/1

Sole success came over C&D in September and she has been runner-up three times since over further. Came on leaps and bounds for her first run of the year when just touched off at Newmarket but would want a stronger pace than can be promised.

Form: 8225-62

(6)

Banksy's Art^p⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: George Bass⁽³⁾| T: M R Channon| OR: 63

4/1

Opened his account at the fifteenth time of asking on fast ground at Chepstow. Not disgraced last week on ground softer than ideal and his rider is one of the more experienced pilots in this.

Form: 47-1442

(4)

Percy Prosecco⁶³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: Kate Leahy⁽³⁾| T: A Watson| OR: 59| D

9/4

Sole Flat win was gained off a mark of 55 eleven months ago. Has added a victory over timber since and debuts for a top yard following a more promising effort last time. Rider has partnered three winners so one to consider.

Form: 2613-33

Forecasts

Percy Prosecco (9/4), Potters Lady Jane (3/1), Banksy's Art (4/1), Battle Of Marathon (7/1), Bartholomew J (15/2), Brittanic (8/1)

Brittanic has been disappointing of late but could surprise if this longer trip is the answer. The lack of an obvious pacemaker prompts worries for Potters Lady Jayne and Percy Prosecco as they are dropping in trip and would not want this to develop into a sprint. Battle Of Marathon and Bartholomew J are struggling to find their form and as a result BANKSY'S ART maybe the answer. Rider George Bass won a similarly restricted apprentice contest at Ripon recently and has the perfect partner in the wide margin Chepstow winner. Mick Channon's charge may have too much speed for these if this proves tactical and the return to quicker ground is another plus.