Robert Brown Memorial Handicap

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 1m 35.86s

(2)

Bless Him^h²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 92| D

11/4

Best granted a strong pace at 1m, and went close at Windsor on penultimate start. Ran poorly stepped up in trip at Goodwood last time, but didn't have the race run to suit, and a lively outsider with a more suitable pace scenario likely here.

Form: 37-7420

(5)

Solid Stone²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 94

10/11

Dual winner had Michele Strogoff and Smile A Mile well behind when dropped back to this grade at Sandown. Up 6lb but still looks to have enough in hand to make him the one to beat.

Form: 21-1902

(6)

Smile A Mile⁷^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Jim Crowley| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 88| CD

13/2

Landed his fourth race of the year at Pontefract a week ago. Made all on a day that suited the prominent racers and one of his main rivals underperformed. Michele Strogoff will not allow him an easy lead and the 6lb penalty sets him a stiff task.

Form: 621461

(3)

Balgair^h³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: L Morris| T: Tom Clover| OR: 84| CD

12/1

Got the best of a marginal call over C&D in May. That was a weaker race than this and he has plenty to find judged on his last two efforts.

Form: 42-1285

(1)

Arigato^p³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Josephine Gordon| T: W Jarvis| OR: 80| D

8/1

Landed a slowly run uncompetitive Class 3 at Newmarket and handicapper has taken a realistic view. Will not be inconvenienced by the likely stronger pace, but his best efforts have come off marks below 80.

Form: 0-67421

Non-Runners

(4)

Michele Strogoff²

Weight: 9-2| Age: 6

T: M Appleby J: Alistair Rawlinson

Forecasts

Solid Stone (10/11), Bless Him (11/4), Smile A Mile (13/2), Arigato (8/1), Michele Strogoff (10/1), Balgair (12/1)

Smile A Mile made the most of his opportunity last week when one his chief rivals lost two shoes and on a day when positive tactics yielded good results. He faces competition for the lead here from Michele Strogoff and both look held on Sandown form by SOLID STONE. Sir Michael Stoute's runner will be happy to sit behind a strong pace given he stays further. A 6lb rise in the weights now looks less of a problem given the penalty awarded to Mark Johnston's charge. Arigato scored last time but he does seem a much better horse off lower marks than today.