Discover Newmarket Offering Specialist Guided Tours Handicap

Off time: 17:10 | Winning time: 2m 56.80s

(1)

Baasem¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 90

15/8

Dual winner last year over middle distances on turf carrying out two demolition jobs by 7L and the 14L at Doncaster in lesser grades than here. Forgiven the poor effort that rounded off his season, return was adequate over this trip, better expected.

Form: 76117-3

(2)

Mondain²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 89

9/2

Stable won this last two years, seen to maximum effect over 2m at Newcastle last time (well positioned) off 6lb lower. Might not get such a favourable scenario here despite the small field and has struggled to win off marks this high in the past.

Form: 5558-91

(3)

Nuits St Georges²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: Rossa Ryan| T: D Menuisier| OR: 84| BF| D

13/8

Consistent sort, rarely runs a bad race added to his two wins last year already having taken a Sandown (1m6f) handicap on return. Typically ran well last time at Haydock (1m6f, heavy), still on a fair mark, travels strongly, one to be interested in.

Form: 1220-13

(5)

Sexy Beast¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: J Mitchell| T: E De Giles| OR: 79| D

11/2

Patient tactics used last time at Ascot didn't suit (pulled very hard, refused to settle), may need to revert to more positive tactics used for only win so far. Has shown some promise on a few occasions, this may prove a little too testing though.

Form: 35/2420

Non-Runners

(4)

Charlie D¹⁴

Weight: 9-7| Age: 5

T: Tom Dascombe J: R Kingscote

Forecasts

Nuits St Georges (13/8), Baasem (15/8), Charlie D (10/3), Mondain (9/2), Sexy Beast (11/2)

Trainer Mark Johnston has taken both renewals of this event and he aims for the hat-trick with Mondain who was favoured by the scenario at Newcastle last time where he was allowed a fairly soft time up front and benefitted from a soft lead. That situation with Charlie D, whose last win over this trip on the Rowley Mile course was a defeat of 2018 winner (Star Of The East) and Sexy Beast in the field may not arise as both of those are better given prominent rides. NUITS ST GEORGES just edges the argument over Baasem here with the former still having some handicapping scope while the latter does look to be building up to something having performed well at Ascot on his return to action.