John Herman Handicap

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 1m 39.94s

(3)

Sash³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: Adam J McNamara| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 87| D

7/2

This is definitely his optimum trip and he has been far from disgraced the last twice. This is a drop in grade, and he is not fully exposed in handicaps. Should have a major part to play in proceedings.

Form: 156144

(2)

Strict Tempo²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: William Carver⁽⁵⁾| T: A M Balding| OR: 84| BF

5/2

Hit the crossbar on each of his last three starts, and beginning to prove expensive to follow (sent off short-priced favourite the last twice). Can't knock her consistency though, and she could find some improvement on this first run over 1m.

Form: 557222

(5)

Elamirr⁶⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 80

7/1

Been given time off since something obviously went amiss when he ran too bad to be true at Ascot (1m; good to firm) in July. Posted an encouraging effort on handicap debut at Newcastle (1m; standard to slow) before that, and is worth another chance.

Form: 851-37

(4)

Hold Still²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Nicola Currie| T: W R Muir| OR: 79

9/2

Returned to calmer waters after finding the demands of a red hot handicap at the Ebor Festival at York (1m; good to firm) all too much. Consistently making the frame prior to that, and so has place claims back in a Class 4.

Form: 1-24320

(1)

Amorously¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: F Sweeney| T: R Hannon| OR: 79| CD

10/1

Made light work of odds-on favouritism (4/6f) when comfortably winning a four-runner affair over C&D. Upped in grade now off a career high mark, and isn't open to as much progress as others. Not discounted though.

Form: 634311

(6)

Tell William^b¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: M Dwyer| T: M P Tregoning| OR: 73| CD

7/2

Showed marked improvement from below-par handicap debut when successful over this C&D last month (shedding his maiden tag in the process). Up 5lb and this is a better race, but still retains plenty of potential.

Form: 89-391

Forecasts

Strict Tempo (5/2), Sash (7/2), Tell William (7/2), Hold Still (9/2), Elamirr (7/1), Amorously (10/1)

After breaking his maiden duck at the fifth attempt on his second handicap start, Tell William could have more to offer as he is still unexposed. This is a step up in grade, but it would be somewhat of a surprise if he were incapable of being competitive off a 5lb higher mark for that recent win. A degree of trust is needed to fancy Elamirr, but we are yet to see the best from this Exceed And Excel colt who ran as though something was amiss last time. The one who has little to prove is SASH, who has followed up his comprehensive Windsor success with a pair of fine efforts in defeat the last twice in higher class races. He can return to winning ways as he drops in grade.