32Red Casino Handicap

Off time: 19:47 | Winning time: 3m 33.68s

(4)

Distant Chimes^p¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 85

4/9

Followed a trusted method set out by his trainer over a good number of years; he's improved since stepping up in trip and won his last three races (all on the AW) in a progressive manner. Up another 2f and carries 5lb more but still the one to beat.

Form: 992-111

(2)

Toshima^p,t¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: R Stephens| OR: 82| D

7/1

Won under both codes of racing this year (including in first-time cheekpieces at Ffos Las in July). Held off this mark in a higher grade at Newmarket earlier in the month but gone well here before, so switching surfaces not an issue. Can go close.

Form: 717-916

(5)

Baydar^p⁶⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 8-9| J: David Probert| T: I Furtado| OR: 73WS

33/1

Second in a lady riders race at Musselburgh in June but switched yards and had wind surgery since then. Might be best just watched this time around. (Also entered 4.25 at Carlisle.)

Form: 690628

(3)

General Zoff⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-6| J: J F Egan| T: W R Muir| OR: 70| D

9/2

Won over 2m at Lingfield last September and held his form since returning from an absence with three placed efforts in this sort of company prior to missing out at Ffos Las eight days ago. Beaten less than 2l that day, so still considered a threat.

Form: 21-2234

(1)

Highland Sky^h¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-5| J: Hollie Doyle| T: D M Simcock| OR: 69

16/1

Stays reasonably well but 0-3 on synthetics and previous efforts on this type of surface have left a lot to be desired. Won a five-runner handicap on good to firm ground at Newbury on his penultimate start but brushed aside latest. A bit to prove.

Form: 134-813

Forecasts

Distant Chimes (4/9), General Zoff (9/2), Toshima (7/1), Highland Sky (16/1), Baydar (33/1)

The progressive DISTANT CHIMES is a typical beneficiary of Sir Mark Prescott's nurturing process and the gelding has been found a golden opportunity to continue his rise through the ranks and extend his winning sequence to four on the bounce. The gelding tries two miles for the first time and has 5lb more to shoulder for his latest win. But he was unchallenged near the finish for in that latest start and, with the cheekpieces there to assist his concentration, the much improved gelding is expected to find a little more when asked for effort. Toshima looks the main danger to the selection, followed by General Zoff.