19:05 Sandown

Wednesday 24 July 2019

All18:0018:3019:0519:3520:1020:40

Watch Racing TV Now Handicap

Off time: 19:07 | Winning time: 1m 1.29s

(7)

Waseem Faris²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 10-1| J: Jim Crowley| T: K O Cunningham-Brown| OR: 81| CD

14/1

Winner of this race last year off 1lb lower he resumed winning ways in a small-field affair at Bath in May (made all having fallen in the weights). Run two lesser races since (poor last time at Salisbury); merits respect on previous achievements.

Form: 56-8137

(5)

A Sure Welcome^b²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: L Morris| T: J L Spearing| OR: 78| BF| D

13/2

Dual scorer already this year breaking his turf hoodoo with a Chepstow 5f win in June (seen to better effect than many in the field). Second at Brighton last time (didn't handle track), still in good heart; blinkers worn for last three wins return.

Form: 105312

(6)

Whataguy^p²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-11| J: Megan Nicholls⁽³⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 81| D

7/1

Ran a career-best to gain his first handicap win at Brighton last time (wore first-time cheekpieces) stayed on well to beat A Sure Welcome (suited by the way the race developed). Up 4lb; course should suit (stiff finish); one of the main players.

Form: 13-5641

(1)

Delagate This Lord¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Charlie Bennett| T: M J Attwater| OR: 75| BF| D

6/1

Took advantage of a reduced mark at a course he appreciates (Bath) to record his latest win in July. Confirmed his return to form last time when second at Salisbury over 6f; should remain competitive but does have to cope with a return to 5f.

Form: 550012

(3)

Han Solo Berger^p¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: George Wood| T: C F Wall| OR: 72

9/2

Ran better than for some while last time at Doncaster (cheekpieces back on) although his losing run continues to grow. Should be a peak fitness now slipping down the handicap (has never won one); chance if he repeats his Doncaster run.

Form: 279-872

(2)

Indian Raj^t¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Oisin Murphy| T: S C Williams| OR: 72| D

13/8

Being handled with care after a long break almost matching his considerately handled reappearance run last time after going backwards the time before. Dual 5f winner as a 3yo, tongue-tie stays on, dropped 2lb, wouldn't be ruled out easily.

Form: 211/453

(4)

Pink Iceburg¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Kieren Fox| T: P Crate| OR: 70| D

16/1

Gradually being given some relief by the handicapper (runs off a career-low mark here) but has so far failed to match her vaguely promising start for this yard. Juvenile 5f winner last year for her former stable she still faces a tough test.

Form: 73-8554

(8)

Big Time Maybe^p¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: Nicola Currie| T: M J Attwater| OR: 60| D

14/1

Five-time AW winner he's yet to score on turf (0-9) and that's reflected in his mark. Disappointed on his last turf start (back to form on the AW last time); best observed against some more accomplished turf performers.

Form: 182162

Forecasts

Indian Raj (13/8), Han Solo Berger (9/2), Delagate This Lord (6/1), A Sure Welcome (13/2), Whataguy (7/1), Big Time Maybe (14/1), Waseem Faris (14/1), Pink Iceburg (16/1)

Quite a tricky puzzle to work out with last year’s winner Waseem Faris returning for another crack at this prize although on his recent form he’s got a got a tougher task than last year and he’s not the easiest to predict. Indian Raj enters the picture having looked to retain plenty of his old ability whilst WHATAGUY and A Sure Welcome resume their Brighton hostilities with the former taken to confirm the form from the seaside track, this stiff 5f looking to suit the Nicholls horse. Delagate This Lord lost little in defeat last time but may find this 5f a little too sharp with Hans Solo Berger given a chance to win his first handicap on the back of a sound Doncaster run.