Betway Handicap

Off time: 14:52 | Winning time: 2m 3.28s

(1)

Victory Bond³²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: A Kirby| T: W J Haggas| OR: 102| CD

15/8

Two wins from six starts at the track, so goes well here; possibly a little out of his depth in a Listed contest here last time, not disgraced all the same and will find this easier; slight worry a slow pace would count against him.

Form: 055314-

(4)

Star Of Southwold⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: B A Curtis| T: M Appleby| OR: 93| BF| D

7/1

Still 2lb higher than last win, which came at Chelmsford last August (8f); can take a hold but has a chance to lead these if connections decide to go that way, and making all may be his best chance of success.

Form: 1873-65

(2)

Felix^t²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: Hollie Doyle| T: M Botti| OR: 92| D

9/4

Comes into this in great form, having won on his first start for new yard at Wolverhampton last time; yet to race on this surface, which asks a new question of him, but still unexposed and could easily improve again.

Form: 2/48411-

(3)

Singing Sheriff¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-6| J: L Morris| T: E Walker| OR: 84

9/4

Improving sort that took a lower-grade contest than this at Wolverhampton last time, one that's earned him an 8lb rise here; may not be entirely straightforward and faces a tougher task here, which is enough to make you look elsewhere.

Form: 04023-1

Forecasts

Victory Bond (15/8), Felix (9/4), Singing Sheriff (9/4), Star Of Southwold (7/1)

Hard to rule any of the four out, and all have their positives and negatives. In the hope that he's allowed to stride on, STAR OF SOUTHWOLD might be able to dictate the pace and win this from the front. He can be a bit keen but if settling better, can last out and take this. Victory Bond might be the one to give him most to think about, and Felix, if handling this surface, looks a threat too.