Christmas Parties At Epsom Downs Handicap

Off time: 20:41 | Winning time: 1m 44.14s

(5)

Simoon²²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 82

13/8

Won his first two starts for this stable but progress seemed to stall afterwards, including when sixth in 1m2f Chelmsford handicap. Has top weight to contend with but this is a much easier contest and should give a good account.

Form: 35-1156

(4)

Arigato^p¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Josephine Gordon| T: W Jarvis| OR: 79| CD

5/2

C&D winner last season who hasn't been in the same form since but put up an encouraging display when 3l fourth in 1m Kempton handicap in late June. Claims on past course form but still 2lb above last winning mark. Others make more appeal.

Form: 130-674

(2)

Grey Spirit⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 76| BF| D

3/1

In flying form last season and wasn't disgraced on seasonal reappearance in 1m2f Chelmsford handicap. Entitled to come on for the run but this trip looks sharp and career-best run required. Has the scope to progress though.

Form: 90/112-5

(3)

Data Protection^t¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Harry Bentley| T: W R Muir| OR: 74| CD

6/1

C&D winner in the past but not in the best form this season, including when distant eighth in 1m Newmarket handicap in late June. Falling down the handicap and chance on best form, but has a bit to prove now.

Form: 737-588

(1)

The Warrior²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: Georgia Dobie⁽⁷⁾| T: L Carter| OR: 66

20/1

Formerly with Aidan O'Brien but out of sorts with this stable. Most recently last of 12 at Lingfield (1m, standard) and makes little appeal on that form.

Form: 654670

Forecasts

Simoon (13/8), Arigato (5/2), Grey Spirit (3/1), Data Protection (6/1), The Warrior (20/1)

A majority of the field are now exposed, but GREY SPIRIT still has the scope on the basis of his form last season and could provide his trainer with a much-needed winner. Arigato looks to be coming into form and holds solid claims on his previous C&D win, while Simoon should give a good account for himself but may find the welter burden weight an issue.