Molson Coors Handicap

Off time: 17:20 | Winning time: 1m 36.31s

(3)

Nicklaus^h1⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: James Doyle| T: W J Haggas| OR: 93| D

13/2

Paid the price for racing too freely at Goodwood on his penultimate start but bounced back with respectable second at Chelmsford (1m) last time. Hood is tried today and can be a tough ride but considered.

Form: 1-83202

(6)

Sash¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Jim Crowley| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 92| D

4/1

Running creditably this season and looked better than ever when landing 1m Bath handicap this month. 5lb hike suggests the handicapper is taking no chances now.

Form: 561441

(5)

Dark Jedi⁷⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: K Shoemark| T: C Hills| OR: 87

20/1

Sole win came in Ffos Las novice contest last year and has been highly tried this season. Struggled in York handicap (1m) when last seen and looks to be exposed now.

Form: 26-7506

(2)

Reloaded¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: W Buick| T: George Scott| OR: 85| BF

8/1

6f winner at Pontefract last year and took a step forward with narrow defeat in 7f Lingfield handicap on latest start. Finished well that day and this trip could be his optimum.

Form: 613-33

(1)

Gin Palace²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 84| D

9/1

Gained third win of the season with success at Newbury (1m) two starts ago before being found out at Sandown (1m) last time. More needed off the same mark in this.

Form: 184113

(4)

Top Rank¹⁶⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: P J McDonald| T: J Tate| OR: 83| D

10/11

Overcame inexperience to win on debut at Lingfield (1m) last year before good success in 1m Thirsk handicap in April. Off since but possesses a promising profile.

Form: 1-1

Forecasts

Top Rank (10/11), Sash (4/1), Nicklaus (13/2), Reloaded (8/1), Gin Palace (9/1), Dark Jedi (20/1)

RELOADED had become slightly frustrating but the gelding operation seemed to do the trick last time when taking the eye with his staying on nature. He looked to be crying out for the step up in trip that day and could be a useful handicapper over 1m. Top Rank remains unbeaten after two efforts and stormed to success last time, he could be anything but his lengthy absence is off-putting. Nicklaus seems to be a tough ride but generally performs with consistency while there may be slight improvement left in Gin Palace too.