17:05 Newbury

Friday 25 October 2019

All13:1013:4014:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:05

Energy Check 'Hands And Heels' Apprentice Handicap (Final)

Off time: 17:05 | Winning time: 3m 55.48s

(5)

Cristal Spirit^p⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Gavin Ashton| T: George Baker| OR: 72

5/2

His sole success came on the AW at Kempton (1m4f) in 2018. He has gone close to victory on a number of occasions this year though, including on his latest attempt when he was second of four at Kempton (2m) on the Polytrack. Leading contender.

Form: 243202

(8)

Pumblechook^p²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Sean Kirrane| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 72

5/1

Has not won since August 2017, however, he has now fallen down the weights to a workable mark. He came home fourth of nine on his latest outing at Southwell (2m½f) on the AW. Worth respecting.

Form: 3699-74

(1)

With Pleasure^p¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: Oliver Stammers| T: J L Flint| OR: 68

14/1

Has only appeared twice so far this year where he has been well held on both occasions. His latest start was over hurdles at Exeter (2m5½f) where he was fifth of 10. Down to a more favourable mark now but others are preferred.

Form: 7/5264-6

(2)

Colwood²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Stefano Cherchi| T: R Eddery| OR: 68| D

5/1

Is 0-11 on turf but he has won three times on the AW, with his latest success coming back in June at Southwell (2m). He has hit the frame on his last two runs, including when he was third of nine at Southwell (2m½f) last time. One for the shortlist.

Form: 441733

(3)

Mr Smith^p⁸⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 8-11| J: Levi Williams⁽³⁾| T: C Byrnes| OR: 55

11/8

Dual-purpose gelding who has been in good form across both codes as he has notched up three consecutive wins recently. His latest success came in a handicap hurdle at Roscommon (2m7½f). Still looks to be off a workable mark on the Flat. Big player.

Form: 48004/1

(7)

Duration^b¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-5| J: Zak Wheatley| T: J R Jenkins| OR: 49| D

40/1

Was successful on the AW at Newcastle (2m½f) last year but has not been close to adding to his tally in 2019. He finished sixth of 12 last time at Newcastle (2m½f) after going off at 50/1. Hard to fancy on the evidence of recent form.

Form: 36-0006

(6)

Montys Angel⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 8-5| J: George Rooke⁽³⁾| T: J J Bridger| OR: 45

25/1

Scored over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m4½f) back in April but she is still a maiden on the Flat. She was fourth of 11 at Bath (2m1f) on her latest appearance. She is 12lb out of the handicap here so she has it all to do.

Form: 00P/904

Non-Runners

(9)

Nafaayes⁵⁵

Weight: 9-8| Age: 5

T: Jean-Rene Auvray J: Amelia Glass

(4)

Tin Fandango²²

Weight: 9-8| Age: 4

T: M D I Usher J: Isobel Francis

Forecasts

Mr Smith (11/8), Cristal Spirit (5/2), Colwood (5/1), Pumblechook (5/1), Nafaayes (10/1), With Pleasure (14/1), Tin Fandango (20/1), Montys Angel (25/1), Duration (40/1)

MR SMITH has done no wrong this year with three wins from his three appearances across both codes. He is back to the Flat here following his latest success over hurdles and he can continue his run of victories off this winnable mark. Cristal Spirit has been really close to his second win this year and should once again be fighting it out at the finish of the race, while take Colwood to fill the placings as he has been running consistently well recently without success.