17:05 Epsom Downs

Thursday 12 September 2019

All13:4014:1514:5015:2515:5516:3017:05

Spectacular Christmas Parties At Epsom Downs Handicap

Off time: 17:05 | Winning time: 1m 9.94s

(3)

Wiley Post^b¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: Scott McCullagh⁽⁵⁾| T: A W Carroll| OR: 74

9/2

Took advantage of slide in the handicap when returning to winning ways in 5f Brighton handicap ten days ago. Quickly turned out off the same mark and could be a step ahead of the handicapper.

Form: 6-37531

(6)

Restless Rose¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: J Fanning| T: S C Williams| OR: 74| BF| D

4/1

Losing run stretches back to June 2018 but has been racing consistently including neck defat at Chelmsford (6f, standard) last time out. Does tend to race freely but is on a good mark and should give another good account.

Form: 534532

(9)

Highland Acclaim^p⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-7| J: K Shoemark| T: D O'Meara| OR: 73| CD

6/1

Epsom specialist in the past but not the force of old this season. Respectable 3L third in 7f handicap here two starts ago before down the field in 6f Catterick handicap. Looks vulnerable to younger rivals now.

Form: 433838

(2)

Spanish Star¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: L P Keniry| T: P R Chamings| OR: 72| D

14/1

Twice a winner earlier in the season but finding life tough off higher marks recently, including 7L defeat in 5f Sandown handicap last month. 2lb drop suggests handicapper is giving him no leniency still.

Form: D13457

(5)

Zac Brown^t¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 9-6| J: Barry McHugh| T: C Wallis| OR: 72| BF| D

14/1

Slightly inconsistent but still won twice this season and just failed to get up in 5f Goodwood handicap on latest start. Turf mark is still significantly lower than on AW and handicapped to go well again.

Form: 147152

(4)

The Lamplighter^p,t²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Cieren Fallon⁽⁵⁾| T: George Baker| OR: 71| D

5/1

Looked to be regressive before causing a minor surprise off falling mark to land 6f Goodwood handicap in good style. 7lb suggests handicapper isn't taking a chance but 5lb claim by rider could be handy.

Form: 026051

(8)

Cent Flying^t⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Jason Watson| T: W R Muir| OR: 70| D

7/2

Good winner from out of the weights at Newmarket three starts ago and hasn't been disgraced in two starts since. Latest fourth in competitive Ascot handicap (6f) gives him solid place claims.

Form: 613134

(7)

Swanton Blue³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 8-11| J: Toby Eley⁽⁵⁾| T: E De Giles| OR: 63| CD

12/1

Bounced back to form with second at Windsor on penultimate start but flopped badly in extended 5f bath handicap when last seen. Proving to be inconsistent and has a bit to prove.

Form: 408024

(1)

Perfect Symphony³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 8-9| J: Charlie Bennett| T: M Pattinson| OR: 61| BF| D

16/1

Last win came back at Chelmsford in May but not replicated same form on turf yet. Latest 14L defeat in 5f Bath handicap leaves a bit to be desired and offers little appeal.

Form: 513635

Forecasts

Cent Flying (7/2), Restless Rose (4/1), Wiley Post (9/2), The Lamplighter (5/1), Highland Acclaim (6/1), Swanton Blue (12/1), Spanish Star (14/1), Zac Brown (14/1), Perfect Symphony (16/1)

A tightly-contested handicap and despite shouldering top weight WILEY POST is the preference to make it two wins from as many starts. An easy winner from a light mark last time, his trainer has pitched him in once again to take advantage of his current mark before the handicapper penalises him once again. Zac Brown is well treated off his current turf mark too and despite his age, he may have some more progression left in him on turf, while The Lamplighter and Cent Flying have both ran well with the odds stacked against them recently and should be vying for the places once again.