Double Delight Hat-Trick Heaven At totesport Novice Stakes

Off time: 19:50 | Winning time: 2m 54.45s

(3)

Holy Kingdom²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Cieren Fallon⁽³⁾| T: Tom Clover| OR: 82

8/13

Yet to win and a mark of 83 is harsh on face-value for a maiden who has been frustratingly short of the mark in seven starts since the turn of the year. However, he sets the BHA standard and will be hard to beat if he copes with the step up in trip.

Form: 622257

(2)

King's Counsel¹⁸²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Josephine Gordon| T: D & C Kubler

25/1

Finished in front of just one rival on debut (over 1m2f) at Kempton back in March; been off since and a lot to be taken on trust regarding his fitness against seasoned campaigners at this time of year. The betting can guide.

Form: 6

(1)

Swift Wing^b²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 79

5/4

Winners in his pedigree and form indications are that he'll cope with the step up in distance. The gelding was a close second to a well fancied stablemate last time out (the third home that day has since run with credit) and there's more to come.

Form: 3332

Forecasts

Holy Kingdom (8/13), Swift Wing (5/4), King's Counsel (25/1)

SWIFT WING is less exposed than Holy Kingdom and has improved since being gelded and racing in blinkers the last twice. Allied to that, is the gelding's stamina-laden pedigree, which might just give him the edge despite him having 3lb to find on the official ratings (Cieren Fallon's claim could also be factor if weight becomes an issue, so a cautious betting check is still advised.) King's Counsel needs a big step forward from his debut run if he's going to seriously trouble his two rivals.