Betway Live Casino Handicap

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 2m 10.23s

(6)

The Corporal¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: W Buick| T: C F Wall| OR: 81| D

7/4

Comes into the race in fine form off the back of two victories over 1m2f at Yarmouth, the last one being an impressive 4L victory despite a hefty rise in the weights. Has another 8lb rise to contend with but leading chance with top jockey on board.

Form: 7-70511

(2)

Athmad²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: James Doyle| T: B J Meehan| OR: 81

6/1

Sole success came with surprise victory on debut last year and didn't convince with weakening sixth at Newbury (1m, good) last time. Form of that race has been franked but not sure about staying this trip.

Form: 7-05646

(4)

Dargel¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox| OR: 78| BF

7/2

Dual winner at Chepstow and Kempton this season and wasn't disgraced in hat-trick bid when narrow second in 1m contest at the latter track. 2lb rise for that looks harsh but should stay and go well off career-high mark.

Form: 6-54112

(3)

Skyman¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jason Watson| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 73

7/2

Six-race maiden but knocking at the door recently, including staying on third of 10 at Newbury (1m1f, soft) on latest start. Off the same mark and 1m2f trip should be no issue. Bold account expected.

Form: 55-5263

(1)

Steeve^p¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: H Crouch| T: B R Millman| OR: 72| BF

14/1

Has become a frustrating sort recently but did shape well over C&D on penultimate start before well-held third in 1m2f Salisbury handicap. Little bit more needed on ratings to be competitive.

Form: 2-77323

(5)

Craneur¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: David Egan| T: H J L Dunlop| OR: 65

9/1

Has fared better over this trip than he had been contesting and bounced back with second in 1m2f Salisbury contest last time. Ahead of Steeve that day but may be vulnerable to more progressive rivals.

Form: 659242

Forecasts

The Corporal (7/4), Skyman (7/2), Dargel (7/2), Athmad (6/1), Craneur (9/1), Steeve (14/1)

A handful of horses possess progressive profiles in this contest and preference is for SKYMAN, who didn't look at home on soft ground last time but enhanced his profile and can belatedly notch victory off a dangerous mark. Dargel commands respect on the basis of his recent efforts and looks to be in good form, his efforts suggest the trip should be fine but may have reached the pinnacle of his mark while The Corporal sets the form standard, but an 8lb rise suggests the handicapper is taking no chances.