17:15 Ascot

Friday 6 September 2019

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1016:4017:15

Victoria Racing Club Handicap

Off time: 17:16 | Winning time: 2m 36.85s

(3)

Koeman²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: J F Egan| T: M R Channon| OR: 94| CD

9/1

Finished over 1L in front of Restorer when they were fourth and fifth in the Shergar Cup Challenge over C&D last time, but that form perhaps not the most solid, and while expected to confirm placings, others are more appealing for win purposes.

Form: 4-32774

(4)

Protected Guest¹²^{(ex 5)}

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: T P Queally| T: G G Margarson| OR: 89

14/1

Probably needed the run when well held over C&D in July, and left that behind when winning at Yarmouth last time, albeit seeming to get the perfect ride, and this quirky character isn't certain to reproduce the form away from that venue.

Form: 117-851

(7)

Francis Xavier³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Rossa Ryan| T: K Frost| OR: 93

12/1

Won four on the spin over a 9-month spell last year. Not matched that form in 2019, but has been set some stiff tasks, and hinted at a revival when fifth of 12 to Spanish Archer at Doncaster last time. Worth a try at this trip on that evidence.

Form: 111-705

(2)

Breath Caught¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: S Donohoe| T: D M Simcock| OR: 91

9/1

Not long with current yard, and built on his debut for new connections over 1¼m here when 1¼L third of 7 to Saroog at Newmarket (1¾m) last time. Runner-up has scored since, and a good gallop at this trip could prove ideal.

Form: 215-843

(1)

Kaloor⁷²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: David Egan| T: B J Meehan| OR: 92

8/1

Promising third to King Ottokar on Newbury (1¼m) return, but rather overfaced on next couple of starts. Back to form when fifth of 8 to Desert Icon on handicap debut at Salisbury last time, but that suggests he's still too high in the weights.

Form: 1-3765

(8)

Kosciuszko³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 88

6/4

Impressive when winning over 1m at Sandown in September and form of his fifth on Newbury on return has worked out well. Too free when well beaten at Goodwood last time, and retains potential, but needs to settle to fulfil it.

Form: 61-50

(5)

Durrell²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 87

5/2

Broke his maiden tag at the fourth attempt when winning over 1¼m at Chelmsford, and has progressed again despite being beaten on both handicap starts. Looked in need of a stiffer test last time, and will prove suited by this trip.

Form: 32-2123

Non-Runners

(6)

Restorer¹⁴

Weight: 9-9| Age: 7

T: Ian Williams J: Cieren Fallon

Forecasts

Kosciuszko (6/4), Durrell (5/2), Kaloor (8/1), Koeman (9/1), Breath Caught (9/1), Francis Xavier (12/1), Protected Guest (14/1), Restorer (20/1)

Plenty of these look vulnerable in handicaps, but DURRELL is the type to relish this increased test of stamina and is taken to gain a first handicap win on his third attempt. Kosciuszko flopped at Goodwood, but he was just behind Melrose winner Hamish at Newbury prior to that, and is a big threat if consenting to settle. Breath Caught looks best of the older generation.