17:40 Sandown

Thursday 8 August 2019

All17:4018:1018:4519:1519:4520:15

Slug And Lettuce 2-4-1 Cocktails Amateur Riders' Handicap

Off time: 17:42 | Winning time: 2m 10.11s

(4)

Central City^p¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Mr Nathan Seery⁽⁵⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 82| D

10/1

Won three times between at the start of the year on turf and AW. Out of sorts in April but then had a break and his never competitive last of seven last month can be forgiven over an inadequate 7f. Stiff 1m2f today suits much better; respected.

Form: 451307

(2)

Isomer²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Miss Claudia Metaireau⁽⁷⁾| T: A M Balding| OR: 79

6/1

Running moderately well this season and was a 6L fourth of 20 in typically competitive Ascot handicap (1m, good to firm) in May. Seventh of eight after 10 weeks off latest can to some extent be forgiven but still winless beyond 1m.

Form: 726757

(6)

My Boy Sepoy²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Miss Serena Brotherton| T: S C Williams| OR: 78| CD

6/1

C&D winner on good to firm in May but has ran two very poor races since at York (15L sixth of seven) and Nottingham (15L last of six). Only hope is that returning here sparks a revival.

Form: 61-4166

(7)

French Mix³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Miss H Welch⁽³⁾| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 78| D

3/1

AW record more compelling but the mare ran an excellent race over 1m4f at Epsom latest when collared in the dying strides. Stepping back to 1m2f here will suit and everything appears set for another bold bid.

Form: 5-11382

(9)

Dutch Uncle¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Mr Charles Clover⁽⁵⁾| T: Tom Clover| OR: 75| D

7/1

Commanding 11L winner of a Class 5 amateurs' race at Newbury (1m2f, soft) on his second start for this yard and ran well enough next under a penalty at Ripon. Struggled at the same venue since however and will need rain to fall.

Form: 407135

(3)

Arctic Sea³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Mr Simon Walker| T: P & O Cole| OR: 72| D

4/1

Been in good form over 1m where three previous wins had come but showed prowess for 1m2f when battling to success at Windsor last time out. Handicapper not been over harsh and has strong claims once more.

Form: 325051

(1)

Steeve^p¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: Mr Patrick Millman| T: B R Millman| OR: 69

9/1

Heavy ground 5f win at two remains his only success and now goes beyond 1m for the first time having produced mixed messages as to whether he will stay. Market support today would be significant.

Form: 332-773

(8)

War Of Succession²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Miss Sophie Smith⁽⁵⁾| T: A G Newcombe| OR: 58| D

17/2

Fast ground lover won at Bath last year and a return to the same course and conditions latest produced his best run since when second. Less compelling elsewhere however and not sure ground will be quick enough.

Form: 70-0632

Non-Runners

(5)

Secret Art⁵⁵

Weight: 11-0| Age: 9

T: G & J Moore J: Joanna Mason

Forecasts

French Mix (3/1), Arctic Sea (4/1), My Boy Sepoy (6/1), Isomer (6/1), Dutch Uncle (7/1), War Of Succession (17/2), Steeve (9/1), Central City (10/1), Secret Art (14/1)

The most obvious claims here lie with the mare FRENCH MIX who ran really well at Epsom latest when headed late on over 1m4f; a step back to 1m2f here sees her having every chance to go one better. Recent Windsor winner Arctic Sea who is unexposed over this trip and Central City who has ideal conditions for the first time since the spring can provide the stiffest opposition.