Storyhouse Handicap

Off time: 20:00 | Winning time: 2m 43.99s

(5)

Gabrial The One³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Barry McHugh| T: R A Fahey| OR: 81| CD

4/1

Solid citizen who has a C&D win to his name, produced a career-best to score in game fashion at Newcastle (12.5f) when fresh in June. Creditable efforts last two starts although did hang fire at York last time to spoil his chance off this same mark.

Form: 424-134

(4)

Heart Of Soul^p²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: B A Curtis| T: Ian Williams| OR: 79| CD

9/4

One of two runners from this yard already a C&D winner off 1lb lower who has made a good start to 2020. Underlined that point with a Hamilton (13.1f) win last time (suited by sound pace), up 3lb (had a bit in hand), likely to go well again.

Form: 290-521

(1)

Edinburgh Castle¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 78

7/4

Shaped better than the bare result (not for the first time) at Ascot (12f) last time faring best of those coming from off the pace. Looks something of a slow burner who ought to be capable of winning off this mark at a track where the yard do well.

Form: 13-4963

(2)

Arabist¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: R Kingscote| T: Ian Williams| OR: 77| D

13/2

Well held on his first run for this yard when returning to action at Ascot (12f) off a nine-month break. May take a few runs to find his feet for this yard (inexperienced despite his age), and owner/trainer have a better option in Heart Of Soul.

Form: 5219-8

(3)

Flood Defence³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Harrison Shaw⁽³⁾| T: I Jardine| OR: 71| D

12/1

Takes a rise in class having been successful in two 12.5f Class 5 handicaps at Musselburgh defying a penalty last time despite carrying head a little high. New career-high mark to cope with on hat-trick attempt, on balance others appeal more.

Form: 770-511

Forecasts

Edinburgh Castle (7/4), Heart Of Soul (9/4), Gabrial The One (4/1), Arabist (13/2), Flood Defence (12/1)

The owner/trainer combination (Marwan Koukash/Ian Williams) that captured this race in 2018 have a couple of shot at doing so again via Heart Of Soul and Arabist with the former looking to have the much stronger chance on the back of his Hamilton win. This scenario looks a little different though and he may not get a strong pace to aim at although the owner also third chance via Gabrial The One who is proven here and looks in good form. EDINBURGH CASTLE can finally get the job done though after suggesting he can win something like this on a couple of occasions. Flood Defence is in good form but faces a stiff task in a bid to complete her hat-trick off a career-high mark.