19:00 Southwell

Friday 13 March 2020

All18:0018:3019:0019:3020:0020:30

Betway Handicap

Off time: 19:00 | Winning time: 59.17s

(5)

Aleef^t⁸^{(ex 4)}

Age: 7| Weight: 10-1| J: George Rooke⁽⁵⁾| T: R M Beckett| OR: 81| CD

6/4

Making just his third start for this yard he proved beyond any doubt that he acts on this surface with a C&D win over the re-opposing Samovar (4lb better off). Better than this at his peak he would be no surprise to see his upward surge continue.

Form: 417-361

(1)

Samovar^b⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: L Morris| T: S Dixon| OR: 77| CD

4/1

Quirky but capable sort on his day on the surface wining five times on Fibresand with 5f being his best trip (four C&D wins). Typically kept busy (not unusual for one from this stable) he should go well again if he gets away on terms; not one to igno

Form: 633422

(7)

Rasheeq^p²³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-6| J: S Donohoe| T: M Moubarak| OR: 76| C

28/1

Course winner over 6f on his first attempt on the surface some five years ago before showing some useful form in turf sprints. Well below form when last seen he did win twice over 6f last year; has an absence and some race-fit rivals to overcome.

Form: 419410-

(6)

Exalted Angel¹⁹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 76| D

8/1

Useful performer who finished second in a C&D maiden prior to landing a French maiden (5.5f, good) in mid-2019. Subsequently beaten in three decent handicaps over 5f on turf (below form); back from an absence, betting market informative.

Form: 231755-

(2)

King Robert^t¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: William Carson| T: C Wallis| OR: 74| D

12/1

The sole Fibresand newcomer in the field it's nearly a year since he won although there have been some creditable placed efforts. Not disgraced last time over 5f (Tapeta) in first-time tongue-tie, unable to capitalise on the drop in grade.

Form: 479-954

(3)

Six Strings²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Theodore Ladd⁽³⁾| T: M Appleby| OR: 73

13/2

Four placed efforts on Fibresand but they have all come at longer trips including an eye-catching run on his last visit here over 6f. Back on Polytrack last time he found the 5f far to inadequate and that's likely to be the case again here.

Form: 5-33225

(4)

Red Stripes^b¹⁰^{(ex 4)}

Age: 8| Weight: 8-12| J: Harrison Shaw⁽³⁾| T: L Williamson| OR: 64| CD

7/2

Six course wins to his name (five over this trip) he was scoring for the third time over C&D last time when defeating six rivals. Yet to run elsewhere in 2020 his 4lb penalty takes him up to a mark he's not seen for ages as he bids for a hat-trick.

Form: 123311

Forecasts

Aleef (6/4), Red Stripes (7/2), Samovar (4/1), Six Strings (13/2), Exalted Angel (8/1), King Robert (12/1), Rasheeq (28/1)

Another race where the majority of the field are proven on this surface with ALEEF looking as though he can still perform in a higher grade. He really proved his worth on Fibresand last time and although Samovar is 4lb off for a 1¼L beating slow starting nature should see that form confirmed. Red Stripes has already raced here on eight occasions this year winning three times over C&D, he bids to complete a hat-trick under a penalty and provides the main danger to the selection. Exalted Angel has to bounce back having had one experience of this surface but he’s from a yard that are always to be respected around here.