19:45 Chepstow

Thursday 15 August 2019

All17:0017:3518:1018:4019:1019:4520:15

bmssw.com Supports Wales Children's Air Ambulance Handicap

Off time: 19:46 | Winning time: 1m 11.78s

(2)

Major Valentine³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: Kate Leahy⁽⁷⁾| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 80| CD

13/2

Has been in the form of his life over the past year including three victories over course and distance including a win in July by 4L. Looks the one they have to beat coming back from a break and capable on an easy surface.

Form: 131831

(6)

Naadirr^p²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: Cieren Fallon⁽⁵⁾| T: K A Ryan| OR: 75| D

10/1

Began the season well with a good effort at Doncaster but has a downward profile since then. Certainly capable on his old form but his current disposition doesn't lend itself to the thought he is a likely winner here.

Form: 0-87985

(5)

Atalanta's Boy^h²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Thomas Greatrex⁽⁵⁾| T: D Menuisier| OR: 75| D

6/4

Still looks to be on the upgrade and ran his best race to date when winning at Doncaster at the end of July; more on his plate here and untried on a really soft surface but certainly a leading contender.

Form: 93-4611

(1)

Doc Sportello¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: R Winston| T: A W Carroll| OR: 73| D

4/1

Generally struggled this term but better earlier this month when sixth in a blanket finish at Windsor (where he tends to run well). Needs to build on that but if doing so couldn't be discounted.

Form: 009686

(3)

Clear Spring¹⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 8-13| J: Ryan Tate| T: J L Spearing| OR: 72| D

10/1

Has been very consistent on his last three outings and will relish the ground being softer; probably needs to do more to get competitive but certainly not one to rule out easily.

Form: 5/87-454

(4)

Smokey Lane^v¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-10| J: Callum Shepherd| T: P D Evans| OR: 69| D

13/2

Experienced gelding, unable to get off the mark in seven starts for new handler, though recent 6f efforts at Salisbury and Ffos Las suggest it won't be long. Any easing of the ground conditions may be a concern.

Form: 730943

(8)

The Lamplighter^p,t⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-5| J: K T O'Neill| T: George Baker| OR: 64

8/1

Quirky sort who is fairly useful on his day but can look less than generous in a finish with just one win from 24 starts. Mark appeals but another tame effort at Leicester in June.

Form: 440260

Non-Runners

(7)

Just Glamorous¹

Weight: 9-8| Age: 6

T: G Harris J: Rossa Ryan

Forecasts

Atalanta's Boy (6/4), Doc Sportello (4/1), Major Valentine (13/2), Smokey Lane (13/2), The Lamplighter (8/1), Just Glamorous (8/1), Naadirr (10/1), Clear Spring (10/1)

MAJOR VALENTINE is in the form of his life at present and connections seem to have found that the key is to give him plenty of rest between racing. He put up a career best to score over course and distance and a repeat of that effort will see him being very hard to beat. Atalanta's Boy looks to be the main danger and there was a lot to like about his win at Doncaster in July. Expected to improve, the only downside might be the expected easy going he might encounter. Clear Spring is close to retirement but he has been managed well by connections and certainly has a chance on the best of his form.