Young Stayers Handicap

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 3m 1.08s

(4)

Summer Moon¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: L Dettori| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 93

3/1

Twice a winner this season, both at shorter trips but seems to stay this far (beaten less than a length at Doncaster over it in June). Not quite at his best last time but a chance to dominate this small field, and must go on the shortlist.

Form: 6-11304

(3)

Just Hubert¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Tom Marquand| T: W R Muir| OR: 81

10/1

Progression looked to have stalled before coming good at Ripon last time, getting home under a power-packed ride to lead late on. That was over 12f, so has to prove he stays this trip, and in a tougher race too, so needs another step forward.

Form: 19-6431

(2)

Space Walk^t³³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: Oisin Murphy| T: W J Haggas| OR: 80

11/8

Looked a stayer in the making when going from the front and scoring with plenty in hand at Haydock last time out. Needs to prove he's as effective on quicker, but that aside, is clearly improving and has to be respected.

Form: 441

(1)

Fraser Island¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 79

7/1

More exposed than most of these and form this summer, whilst by no means poor, leaves the impression he's vulnerable to anything with improvement. Trip a new question as well and not hard to look elsewhere for the winner.

Form: 127352

(5)

State Of Affair²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: E Walker| OR: 78

6/1

Showed a very willing attitude when scoring by the minimum margin at Haydock last time out (12f), 4lb rise for that fair, remains unexposed and if he improves again for this extra 2f then he could get in the shake up.

Form: 03-851

(6)

Buckman Tavern⁵⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: Nicola Currie| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 77

8/1

Winner on final start of last year at Carlisle (heavy, 1m) and then, like many from the yard, took a big step up in trip for handicap debut at Doncaster last time. Wasn't disgraced despite finishing last, will strip fitter here and has a squeak.

Form: 491-6

Forecasts

Space Walk (11/8), Summer Moon (3/1), State Of Affair (6/1), Fraser Island (7/1), Buckman Tavern (8/1), Just Hubert (10/1)

Another tricky little contest to try and solve. Space Walk looks like he'll enjoy a trip like this based on his grind-it-out Haydock win but that was on slower ground, and he has to show he's as effective on quicker. State Of Affair battled on gamely for his win at Haydock and could do better again, and Buckman Tavern is going to be sharper after his seasonal debut last month. The vote, however, goes to SUMMER MOON, who will find this easier than one or two tasks he's faced recently and has the chance to boss this small field from the front.