'Play Nifty Fifty Exclusively At Betfred' Handicap

Off time: 14:41 | Winning time: 2m 35.45s

(3)

Dubai Souq^v1²⁷⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Watson| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 96

5/2

Improved significantly on his final juvenile start, when winning a 1m2f Nottingham nursery (soft; first-time cheekpieces) by 6L. Returns on a 9lb higher mark, so needs to step up again, but can't rule that out. Cheekpieces swapped for visor.

Form: 43151-

(1)

Celestran^b1²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 88

15/8

Backed up a Wolverhampton novice win with a fast ground Yarmouth success (1m2f) on his reappearance last month. Made the frame in a Goodwood Listed event last time, and looks a major player from the same mark back in a handicap. Blinkers go on.

Form: 31-13

(2)

Summit Reach²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Rob Hornby| T: R M Beckett| OR: 84

7/1

Made all to win his maiden easily at Chelmsford (1m, AW) in January. Stopped quickly on his recent handicap debut at Kempton (1m3f, AW). Bit to prove as a result of that, but not badly treated if he can put it behind him.

Form: 25-17

(4)

Carlos Felix²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-3| J: L Morris| T: D M Simcock| OR: 78| BF

9/4

Gradually improving over 7f/1m so far, but is a four-race maiden. Step up in trip could see him do better, and he will need to if he is to break his duck in what looks a warm enough race.

Form: 443-4

Non-Runners

(5)

Eastern Sheriff¹

Weight: 8-12| Age: 3

T: H Palmer J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Celestran (15/8), Carlos Felix (9/4), Dubai Souq (5/2), Eastern Sheriff (3/1), Summit Reach (7/1)

An intriguing contest where blinkers may be able to help CELESTRAN make the most of this return to handicap company. However, that is far from a done deal, as Eastern Sheriff, Dubai Souq and Summit Reach can all have cases made, and Carlos Felix can't be written off.