Weatherbys TBA Handicap

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 8.42s

(2)

Final⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 80

7/2

Hasn't won in over two years but had shown promise in two starts this season before 12L fourth at Newcastle (1m4f, standard) last time. Now 7lb below his last winning mark and has a bit to prove at this trip, but has place claims.

Form: 355-444

(1)

Orsino³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: T Eaves| T: S Spencer| OR: 73| D

40/1

Failed to fire in his last two starts since returning from a lengthy absence, including when 71L last in 1m4f Newcastle handicap. Was a winner over this trip in 2017 but others make more appeal.

Form: 153/20-0

(5)

Chebsey Beau¹⁹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-0| J: Jason Hart| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 73| D

12/1

Successful over this trip when last seen on the flat in September but hasn't been seen since a spell over hurdles in January. 4lb for last flat victory seems fair and looks set to make a bold bid.

Form: 3/73321-

(3)

Auxiliary^p³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 8-13| J: D Tudhope| T: L Bailey| OR: 72

4/1

Winner at York on penultimate start but disappointed at that venue when tried over 2m last time. This could be tough off a revised career-high mark but can't be fully dismissed back in trip.

Form: 242-217

(4)

War Brigade^p⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-10| J: P J McDonald| T: Ian Williams| OR: 69

11/10

Couldn't improve from two promising efforts recently when 13L fifth in 1m6f Salisbury handicap on latest start. Remains on a workable mark in an easier contest and return to likely slower ground is a plus. Should go close.

Form: 13-7235

(6)

Stormin Tom²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 8-8| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 67| CD

13/2

Uninspiring form so far this season in five starts and most recent 13L fourth at Catterick (2m) leaves a lot to be desired. But is now 13lb lower than his last C&D victory in 2018 which means he is better handicapped now.

Form: 0-00484

Forecasts

War Brigade (11/10), Final (7/2), Auxiliary (4/1), Stormin Tom (13/2), Chebsey Beau (12/1), Orsino (40/1)

A host of runners have a fair bit to prove in this sphere but preference is for WAR BRIGADE, whose mark remains attractive and is likely to get his optimum racing conditions here. He should be hard to beat for a trainer who excels with staying performers. Auxiliary seemingly didn't stay over 2m last time out and this easy 1m6f should favour him more while Stormin Tom has a lot to prove but a return to this track could lead to a welcome return to form. Chebsey Beau can't be ignored he tends to need his first run back from a break.