Betway Casino Handicap

Off time: 17:20 | Winning time: 2m 11.75s

(5)

Simoon⁵¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: K Shoemark| T: A M Balding| OR: 81| BF| D

7/2

Won his first two starts for this yard but hasn't progressed as hoped since, including 4L fourth in extended 1m contest at Epsom. May be ready for return to 1m2f, but a career-best is required.

Form: 5-11564

(4)

Loch Ness Monster^p²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Theodore Ladd⁽⁵⁾| T: M Appleby| OR: 87

2/1

On a losing run back to July 2018. Has hit the frame a coupe of times this season, including at Hamilton (1m1f) two starts ago but could only finish fifth of seven at Redcar (1m2f). 2lb lower but needs to prove he stays.

Form: 205725

(1)

Chef De Troupe¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: Liam Keniry| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 80

10/1

Winner over 1m3f in France back in September 2017. Mixed it over hurdles recently landing contests at Uttoxeter and Southwell before second in 2m Perth handicap hurdle. Given lenient mark for British flat debut. Market should guide.

Form: 723340/

(2)

Cheer The Title²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: P Hanagan| T: Tom Clover| OR: 79

9/2

Yet to win in six attempts and was a good second over 1m at this track on penultimate start before slow start cost him any chance at Redcar (7f, good, good to soft in places) last time. Steps up to this trip for the first time.

Form: 362-624

(3)

Dubai Instinct¹⁰⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Angus Villiers⁽⁷⁾| T: B J Meehan| OR: 85| D

5/2

Has good form lines this year. Fourth of 17 in Doncaster maiden behind Bangkok and Telecaster before victory in 1m2f Nottingham maiden. Outclassed in London Gold Cup when last seen but this is more his level.

Form: 6-410

(6)

Thorn^h²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: K T O'Neill| T: P W Hiatt| OR: 71

25/1

Sole victory came over extended 7f at Ffos Las last September and hasn't fired in handicap company to date. Latest 11L last of six at Leicester 91m) leaves a lot to be desired and is best watched for now.

Form: 041-86

Forecasts

Loch Ness Monster (2/1), Dubai Instinct (5/2), Simoon (7/2), Cheer The Title (9/2), Chef De Troupe (10/1), Thorn (25/1)

DUBAI INSTINCT has mixed it with Group 3 and 2 performers (including well-regarded Headman and Dante Stakes winner Telecaster) this season and despite his no-show at Newbury, looks to be well-treated in the weights and with his three-year-old allowance plus an in-form apprentice taking 7lb off, this looks a perfect oppurtunity to notch success in this company. Chef De Troupe has proven stamina in France and over hurdles and could be anything in this company. He provides the main danger along with Simoon, who looked in need of the step back up in trip last time out but must find improvement on ratings.