17:30 Newmarket

Saturday 10 August 2019

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:5517:30

Stan Holdstock 80th Birthday Handicap

Off time: 17:33 | Winning time: 3m 22.23s

(8)

Ship Of The Fen^p1²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: W Buick| T: Ian Williams| OR: 86

11/4

Stayed on strongly on seasonal return to win Salisbury 1m6f handicap in fine style. Struggled in three runs since off higher marks and first-time cheekpieces now reached for. Rider has 19% strike rate for last year's winning yard.

Form: 03-1284

(7)

Gwafa³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 9-13| J: F Sweeney| T: P R Webber| OR: 85| C| D

12/1

Veteran who returned from wind surgery and a 508-day break to finish a good third in Sandown 1m6f h'cap last month. Eased 2lb and chance if he doesn't 'bounce' on second start back.

Form: 224/62-5

(2)

Toshima^p,t¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: P Cosgrave| T: R Stephens| OR: 82| D

14/1

Hit form last month with hurdles win at Ffos Las followed by length success in 2m h'cap on Flat at same track soon after. Up in class and raised 2lb so has to find more if he is going to complete his hat-trick.

Form: 717-91

(6)

Matchmaking³⁶⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 82| BF

4/1

Rattled off handicap four-timer in space of four weeks last year prior to disappointing third at Lingfield a year ago Not seen since and steps up half a mile in trip, but with yard in scintillating form has to be respected.

Form: 9/11113-

(3)

Graceful Lady²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Darragh Keenan⁽⁵⁾| T: R Eddery| OR: 74| D

14/1

In good form last autumn winning at Newbury and on Rowley Mile track over 2m. Signs of a return to form over marathon trip at Lingfield last time and off 1lb lower is not out of it, especially if the ground were to ease.

Form: 11-4663

(4)

October Storm^p1¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: M R Channon| OR: 74| D

13/2

Last win came over 2m at York in October 2017 off 1lb higher mark. Has appeared in grip of handicapper all starts this term and hasn't really done enough to suggest he's a winner-in-waiting. First-time cheekpieces applied.

Form: 5-36555

(1)

Grenadier Guard^b1²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 83| BF

7/4

Unexposed colt taking on older horses for the first time. Won novice stakes over 1m4f in heavy ground at Haydock in June and was third on first try at this trip at Ascot last time out. Blinkered first time for top yard.

Form: 4123

Non-Runners

(5)

Nuits St Georges¹

Weight: 9-6| Age: 4

T: D Menuisier J: Non Runner

(9)

Imperial Court¹⁴

Weight: 8-13| Age: 4

T: D M Simcock J: Charles Bishop

Forecasts

Grenadier Guard (7/4), Ship Of The Fen (11/4), Nuits St Georges (7/2), Matchmaking (4/1), October Storm (13/2), Imperial Court (13/2), Gwafa (12/1), Graceful Lady (14/1), Toshima (14/1)

There was plenty to like about the way GWAFA ran on his first start back following a long absence when fifth at Sandown recently. He should strip fully fit now and may just get the better of the still unexposed Matchmaking, himself returning from a long lay-off for a yard in cracking form at present. Imperial Court is interesting trying this trip and may improve, while Grenadier Guard is another who could be therabouts taking on older hosres for the first time. Hat-trick seeking Nuit St Georges and top weight Ship Of The Fen might also have their say in an intriguing finale.