15:20 Newmarket

Saturday 24 August 2019

All13:4014:1014:4515:2015:5516:3017:05

Price Bailey 'Firm Of The Year' Handicap

Off time: 15:21 | Winning time: 3m 5.2s

(7)

Byron Flyer^p⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-10| J: David Probert| T: Ian Williams| OR: 104

11/1

In great form last autumn winning three decent handicaps at 1m4f. Previously third in this race 12 months ago off 8lb lower mark than handed this time and appears to have tough task after tame effort in Old Newton Cup last time.

Form: 11-0280

(5)

Island Brave²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: H Main| OR: 98| D

10/1

Won over 1m5f at Ayr in June off 2lb lower mark but has been well held last two runs, albeit in very hot company. Stays this extra furlong and is not out of it if able to bounce back from recent disapoointments.

Form: 491660

(6)

Saroog⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 96| D

11/8

Won three of last five starts including latest 1m6f victory at Ascot where battled hoime to score by a neck off 6lb lower mark. More needed off revised rating but is clearly in great nick and should go well.

Form: 2115-41

(3)

Aircraft Carrier^p³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: T P Queally| T: J Ryan| OR: 95| D

25/1

Rattled up hat-trick on AW during the winter but not in same form on turf this campaign. Hasn't shown a great deal in last two starts since being gelded and has a bit to prove at present.

Form: 468050

(4)

Breath Caught⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: Callum Shepherd| T: D M Simcock| OR: 90

10/1

Won twice last year for Ralph Beckett at up to 1m3f. Returned after eight month break when disappointing only start for Ian Williams, and probably found 1m2f too sharp on debut for new yard at Ascot last month. Eased 3lb so has chance if he stays.

Form: 2215-84

(2)

Themaxwecan²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: C Lee| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 97

9/4

Stable has won this race for each of the last three renewals. Still unexposed handicapper who made it 3-8 to date when running on gamely to win Ascot 2m last time off 4lb lower. Tough and stays so looks one for the short list.

Form: 292851

(1)

Fiesole¹⁰⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 8-2| J: Hayley Turner| T: O Murphy| OR: 82

7/1

Winner of 8-37; four on Flat and four over timber. Last seen finishing fast when close fourth in Grade 3 Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock in May. Usually needs a run or two to hit his peak so will do well to score here after 105 day break.

Form: 030515-

Forecasts

Saroog (11/8), Themaxwecan (9/4), Fiesole (7/1), Breath Caught (10/1), Island Brave (10/1), Byron Flyer (11/1), Aircraft Carrier (25/1)

THEMAXWECAN has a fine chance of extending his trainer's winning sequence in this race to four. He was tough as teak when winning at Ascot last time and gave the impression there could be more to come. Saroog is another horse in fine form and he represents potentially the biggest danger, while Breath Caught has been given a chance by the handicapper and could be dangerous if he stays this longer trip. Byron Flyer and Island Brave both have faced tough tasks of late and it would not surprise to see one or both of them show something of a return to form in this company.