Matchbook Betting Podcast Handicap

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 2m 33.35s

(2)

Ironclad¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: James Doyle| T: H Palmer| OR: 86

5/4

Dubawi colt who turned the tables on his Chelmsford conqueror, Durrell, last time. Very much on the upgrade and has been found a good opportunity to complete the hat-trick.

Form: 35211

(5)

Laafy⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 85

7/2

Winner of a slowly run event at Leicester and life has been tougher since in handicaps. Hard to argue he is well-handicapped but this looks less competitive than his last two starts.

Form: 52-124

(6)

Desert Friend¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 82| C

16/1

Dual winner for Mark Johnston in 2018 including a victory here over a mile. Caught the eye on his return and yard have made a good start to the month. One to note in the market.

Form: 141-5

(1)

Selino⁵²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 79| BF

7/1

Unlucky to bump into a couple of horses now rated in the 90s on first two starts before finding the ground too soft at Goodwood. Yard do well here and one to keep on the right side for handicap debut.

Form: 223

(3)

Zuba¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Jim Crowley| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 77

7/2

Did not enjoy the best of runs last time but the performance showed he was back to his best. Up 2lb for that, raised in class and others may be better weighted.

Form: 061-363

(4)

Fragrant Dawn¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: S De Sousa| T: C Hills| OR: 72

16/1

Bred to do well at this trip and not beaten far at Yarmouth last time despite wanting to hang right. Will be happier with this circuit, therefore, and the jockey booking looks significant.

Form: 33-3433

Forecasts

Ironclad (5/4), Zuba (7/2), Laafy (7/2), Selino (7/1), Fragrant Dawn (16/1), Desert Friend (16/1)

A case can be made for all of these but IRONCLAD looks highly progressive and may still be a step ahead of the handicapper. Laafy, Zuba and Fragrant Dawn look to have their fair share of weight, but Selino looks to have been given a workable mark having chased home smart sorts on his first two starts. Dual winner Desert Friend was a real eyecatcher on his seasonal bow and any market confidence would be worth noting.