William Hill Mallard Handicap

Off time: 14:41 | Winning time: 3m 3.93s

(6)

Saroog²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-13| J: W Buick| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 101

2/1

Progressive handicapper who produced another career best when winning at Newmarket last time by 1¼L from Themaxwecan. Runner-up has won again since, and claims here are obvious.

Form: 115-411

(3)

Charles Kingsley⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: L Dettori| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 99

11/4

Won over 1¾m at Newmarket in July, but has just looked in the handicapper's grip in competitive events since. This is slightly easier than when fourth of 16 to Time To Study in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock on Saturday, though.

Form: 041594

(2)

Genetics²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 92

9/1

Ran well when second in the Shergar Cup Challenge over 1½m on his penultimate start, but below that form at York next time, and he has stamina to prove having looked a blatant non-stayer when tried over 2m last season.

Form: 5-59420

(4)

Bartholomeu Dias²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: C Hills| OR: 91

12/1

Ran the race of his life when fourth in the Northumberland Plate at Newcatle in June, but all his wins have come on Tapeta, and he's been well held twice on turf since that good effort.

Form: 1-21400

(5)

Sleeping Lion²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: J P Spencer| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 91

4/1

Back to his best when runner-up to Themaxwecan at Ascot, but put in his place in a stronger handicap at York next time, and while he has place claims here, he no longer appears to be progressing.

Form: 4-23028

(1)

Theglasgowwarrior¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: J S Goldie| OR: 90

13/2

Ran a blinder when finishing a close third in this race last year, and just 2lb higher now. Back to his best when second to a subsequent winner over 2m at Ascot, and easily excused latest flop on account of heavy ground. Not taken lightly.

Form: 189520

Forecasts

Saroog (2/1), Charles Kingsley (11/4), Sleeping Lion (4/1), Theglasgowwarrior (13/2), Genetics (9/1), Bartholomeu Dias (12/1)

A few with questions to answer, and slightly disappointing turnout all things considered, but there is plenty to like about SAROOG, who beat a subsequent winner when maintaining his impressive record last time, and is certainly the one to beat however you look at things. Theglasgowwarrior is forgiven a rare poor run last time, and last year's close third looks the main danger, ahead of Charles Kingsley.