Hampton Court Handicap

Off time: 15:29 | Winning time: 2m 7.08s

(6)

Match Maker^t¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: James Doyle| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 85| D

2/1

Has come back off a long absence to score twice this season, latterly at Newbury (10f) where he was quite impressive despite winning less than a length. Up another 5lb but no saying we've found his ceiling yet, and has to be taken seriously here.

Form: 30/11

(5)

Victory Chime^v1¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 81| D

12/1

Doesn't look the easiest of rides at times but did come good at Leicester three starts back (10f, good) and has run respectably in defeat since. Needs to be on his better behaviour if he's to score here, and on balance, others make more appeal.

Form: 01-6135

(3)

Mainsail Atlantic^p1²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: A Kirby| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 81| BF| D

14/1

Finished off last year with a win over this trip at Lingfield but this season has been disappointing, well fancied on both starts but has been well below par. Suspicion is there's better to come, but until showing it, is best left alone.

Form: 4221-39

(2)

Wimpole Hall^b²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: S De Sousa| T: W Jarvis| OR: 78| C| D

12/1

Tends to race mainly on the all-weather these days, but has a good record at Sandown (a win and two places from three starts here), is now back on his last winning mark and should be match fit after two recent runs. One to be interested in.

Form: 3-36345

(4)

Marronnier^t¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Oisin Murphy| T: S C Williams| OR: 81| CD

5/6

Quickened clear to win with a bit in hand over C&D last time out, and from limited evidence it looks like he needs quick ground, which he will get here. 4lb rise for that win is fair, is still unexposed and should have more to come.

Form: 341-31

(1)

Water's Edge¹¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: Nicola Currie| T: George Baker| OR: 76| D

25/1

First start for new yard (formerly with James Tate), and this will also be his first start on turf. Winner over 10f at Lingfield in February but looks a bit more exposed than a few here, and might need this after a break. Others make more appeal.

Form: 35-2134

Forecasts

Marronnier (5/6), Match Maker (2/1), Victory Chime (12/1), Wimpole Hall (12/1), Mainsail Atlantic (14/1), Water's Edge (25/1)

Victory Chime could get an easy time of it on the front end and might take a bit of pegging back if allowed to dominate, but equally there's another change of headgear for him today, and he might not be the easiest to catch right. Marronnier was given a good ride when scoring here last time out and has chances, as does top weight Match Maker, looking to make it three wins on the trot. But a chance is taken on WIMPOLE HALL, who will be well suited by these conditions, has dropped back to a winning mark and might be about ready to score again after a couple of recent runs, both of which could have been needed to put him right after a break.