17:25 Thirsk

Saturday 7 September 2019

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:2517:55

Calverts Carpets Hambleton Cup Handicap

Off time: 17:25 | Winning time: 1m 34.59s

(6)

Cape Cova⁵⁰⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: Mrs Marjorie Fife| OR: 90| D

66/1

Useful handicapper for John Gosden but looks high enough in the weights for now and very disappointing for Mick Appleby last spring. Returns from a long absence for a new yard and best watched.

Form: 302/509-

(11)

Star Archer¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-13| J: G C O'Neill⁽⁵⁾| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 89

50/1

Dual AW winner for Hugo Palmer last year, but ended 2018 on a low note, and has plenty to prove after finishing well held for his new yard at York last month.

Form: 13907-0

(4)

Claire Underwood¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 86| D

9/2

Lost her way a little earlier in the summer, but more encouragement on last couple of starts, and just found her stamina stretched over 2m at York last time. This is easier, and she should be thereabouts if continuing her revivals.

Form: 365236

(1)

Stonific²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: D Nolan| T: D O'Meara| OR: 82| CD

14/1

Got his season off to a flying start at Doncaster (1¼m) in March, and good fifth to prolific King's Advice here next time. Should be sharper for the run after a 4-month break at Beverley last time, and is one for the shortlist now.

Form: 600-155

(9)

Where's Jeff³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: J P Sullivan| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 81

15/2

Flopped here last time, but had taken his form to new heights when winning the Cumberland Plate at Carlisle prior to that and harsh to judge him on one run given previous progress.

Form: 3-41318

(7)

Rowland Ward^b1⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 85| D

7/4

Progressing gradually, winning on handicap bow over 1½m at Doncaster in April. Lightly-raced since, but improved again having been gelded when second of 8 to Battle of Wills at Ripon in June. Leading claims if taking to first-time blinkers now.

Form: 24-2142

(10)

Aiya^h¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 76| D

6/1

Hasn't progressed since finishing second at Redcar in May, and although not disgraced at times since then, it remains to be seen whether he's able to capitalise on a sliding mark.

Form: 425785

(2)

Dance King^p,t¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 8-12| J: Jason Hart| T: T D Easterby| OR: 74| D

25/1

Now 3lb lower than when a fair fourth over C&D last month, but has run two poor races since, and given his tendency to start slowly, he's best left alone at the moment.

Form: 057467

(5)

Employer⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: P Mathers| T: J S Goldie| OR: 72

12/1

Yet to win in handicap company and has been struggling for form of late. Did travel well at Hamilton last week, but found less than expected, and needs to show he can knuckle down better.

Form: 300794

(8)

Trinity Star^v²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 8-10| J: C Lee| T: Karen McLintock| OR: 72| CD

16/1

Won on soft ground over C&D on penultimate start and had excuses when beaten at Carlisle last time. Perhaps better a rung down the handicapping ladder, but not dismissed.

Form: 625414

(3)

Billy No Mates²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: G Lee| T: M Dods| OR: 80| C

8/1

Bit disappointing last time, but his last two runs have come in races which have worked out well, and he's 3lb lower than when an excellent third over this trip at York in June. Interesting.

Form: 16-5456

Forecasts

Rowland Ward (7/4), Claire Underwood (9/2), Aiya (6/1), Where's Jeff (15/2), Billy No Mates (8/1), Employer (12/1), Stonific (14/1), Trinity Star (16/1), Dance King (25/1), Star Archer (50/1), Cape Cova (66/1)

Rowland Ward is probably the one to beat if taking to blinkers given his profile, but the very fact he's tried in headgear after a break is a definite concern, and it may pay to take a chance of BILLY NO MATES, who ran a blinder on his only try at this trip, and has had excuses for a couple of subsequent defeats. Claire Underwood and Where's Jeff are others to consider.