Mick Connolly Memorial Handicap

Off time: 16:55 | Winning time: 1m 23.72s

(1)

Firmdecisions³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-4| J: Rowan Scott⁽³⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 84| CD

14/1

Veteran with 11 career wins including two over 6f this year. All previous successes came at this distance and remains on a winnable mark. Suited by these conditions but needs to leave two below par efforts behind.

Form: 021187

(3)

Breath Of Air¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: K Shoemark| T: C Hills| OR: 88

7/2

Barring one disappointment at York he continues to race to a consistent level and remains lightly raced. Dropping to a good mark and although he's perhaps best suited by 6f, no reason why he can't be competitive.

Form: 3-50356

(6)

Swift Approval¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: S C Williams| OR: 82| BF| D

13/2

Twice a winner over this trip this year but remains on a workable mark based on last season's early form. Suited by any ground and in good form the last twice in fast run races. Likely to be involved again.

Form: 491516

(2)

Six Strings⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 82| BF

6/4

Both wins have come at 6f but a number of near misses at this trip including on second start (following a win) for new yard last month. Didn't settle off a slow pace and not the clearest of runs and every chance again off 3lb higher.

Form: 57-9212

(5)

Chatham House⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 86| BF| D

5/2

Progressive performer this season and made his breakthrough over this trip at Newbury. Runner-up in two starts since over 6f and suited by step back up in distance. Lightly raced and has more to offer.

Form: 343122

Non-Runners

(4)

Wise Counsel³¹

Weight: 9-7| Age: 3

T: C G Cox J: D Tudhope

Forecasts

Six Strings (6/4), Chatham House (5/2), Breath Of Air (7/2), Wise Counsel (5/1), Swift Approval (13/2), Firmdecisions (14/1)

CHATHAM HOUSE really improved when winning over this distance three starts back and has matched that form back at sprinting twice since. He can improve again back up in distance after just finding one too speedy each time. Six Strings has hit form for his new yard and was a bit unfortunate last time. He should be thereabouts along with Swift Approval who also arrives here in good heart.