17:15 Wolverhampton

Saturday 31 August 2019

All14:2014:5515:3016:0516:4017:1517:50

Bring Your Brand To Life At deskstor Handicap

Off time: 17:16 | Winning time: 2m 36.53s

(5)

Dutch Uncle^p²³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-12| J: Megan Nicholls⁽³⁾| T: Tom Clover| OR: 75| C| D

12/1

Made a good start for his current yard and held his form since winning at Newbury in June. Won over this trip at Lingfield before now so the trip isn't a major concern; and the rider takes 3lb off with her claim. Solid candidate despite topweight.

Form: 071354

(3)

Glan Y Gors^p²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: Aled Beech⁽⁷⁾| T: D Thompson| OR: 74| D

16/1

Was in good form at the turn of the year but has managed to run off a higher mark gained after three Tapeta wins at Newcastle; also held his own over hurdles lately so versatile to the task. Needs to better recent form on the Flat, though.

Form: 026980

(7)

Lost History²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: Ryan Tate| T: J L Spearing| OR: 71| CD

10/1

Won a Class 5 handicap from this mark over C&D in May but not so good in two runs on turf and one on the Polytrack at Kempton since. Needs a lot to go his way in this grade.

Form: 281756

(4)

Quintada¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: A Mullen| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 79| D

12/1

Lacks experience of the AW and been below par in her last two starts. However, the work ethic from runners from this stable should never be underestimated so any support in the betting market would be dangerous to ignore. (Nudged down 1lb.)

Form: 7-33105

(9)

State Of Affair³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: P J McDonald| T: E Walker| OR: 78| D

11/8

Returned from a short break to make a winning start over 1m4f when he edged a Class 4 handicap at Haydock in July; ran with credit in a higher grade at Sandown (1m6f) latest but the return to this level and trip will suit better. Leading player.

Form: 03-8514

(1)

Stagehand⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Callum Shepherd| T: C Hills| OR: 78| BF

5/1

First won over a mile and was then backed into joint favorite when tried over 1m2f (both at Ripon) last month. Created the impression she'll be worth a try over this trip in the latter race and has to be respected here. Tapeta debut a concern.

Form: 2-913

(8)

Chicago Doll²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Thore Hammer-Hansen⁽⁵⁾| T: A King| OR: 76

7/2

Won a fillies only handicap over 1m2f at Leicester before running on strongly when tried over this trip at Newmarket at the start of this month. Races from just 1lb higher and has proven ability on Tapeta so no reason why she can't go close again.

Form: 35-3512

(2)

Ice Canyon^h²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: S Donohoe| T: K Frost| OR: 65| CD

20/1

Won over C&D for Mark Brisbourne in January but lost his way since and this looks a bit tougher than some of his recent assignments. Debut run for his current yard was encouraging but the gelding lacks consistency and isn't one for maximum faith.

Form: 287084

(6)

Raven's Raft⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: Laura Coughlan⁽⁷⁾| T: D Loughnane| OR: 59| CD

16/1

Both previous career wins gained at this course but form has taken a dip since the filly won over C&D in April; and not even a return to the same winning mark (plus a 7lb claimer booked) is enough to tempt a recommendation.

Form: 1P4676

Forecasts

State Of Affair (11/8), Chicago Doll (7/2), Stagehand (5/1), Lost History (10/1), Quintada (12/1), Dutch Uncle (12/1), Glan Y Gors (16/1), Raven's Raft (16/1), Ice Canyon (20/1)

STATE OF AFFAIR has a lot going for him at this level and is the pick of the three-year-olds who can lead their elders a merry dance. Quintada is a prime candidate to set a decent tempo and will pose a big threat if allowed an easy time on the front end. However, she lacks experience of the Tapeta and could just set things up for the selection's finishing kick. Chicago Doll has vital experience of Wolverhampton and has scope to improve, she also merits consideration. Stagehand needs to prove she'll handle the surface but can also go close if the kick-back isn't an issue. Dutch Uncle is the pick of the older horses despite a stiff test at the weights.