13:45 York

Friday 21 August 2020

All13:4514:1514:4515:1515:4516:1516:50

Sky Bet Handicap

Off time: 13:47 | Winning time: 2m 33.00s

(5)

Byron Flyer^p⁵¹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-10| J: B A Curtis| T: Ian Williams| OR: 101| D

33/1

Versatile campaigner who landed back-to-back chase events at up to 20f last autumn. Creditable efforts on Flat/over hurdles upon returning this summer but he may prove vulnerable to less exposed sorts

Form: 02804-4

(4)

On To Victory^h¹⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: A King| OR: 98| D

18/1

Smart stayer on the level for Eve Johnson Houghton who showed fairly useful form in defeat over hurdles for present stable. Given a chance by the assessor for Flat return and hood back on now.

Form: 428870/

(10)

Koeman¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: Oisin Murphy| T: M R Channon| OR: 97| D

9/1

Ended 2019 with a win at Newbury handicap. Mixed bag in Dubai earlier this year, but again put in a good shift when midfield at Ascot (12f) 2 weeks ago. However, his mark looks about right.

Form: 052936

(7)

Entangling³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Hayley Turner| T: D R C Elsworth| OR: 95| D

20/1

Useful, low-mileage 6-y-o who hasn't been disgraced in face of stiff enough tasks on each of his last 2 starts, fifth of 7 in a Haydock listed event (11.8f) last time. Should give another good account

Form: 13-2355

(1)

Alfaatik^b⁴⁵⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 94

15/2

850,000 gns purchase who overcame inexperience to land a Chelmsford novice (10f) in 2018. Confined to just 2 starts the following spring but gelded subsequently and he may yet get back on the up.

Form: 1/57-

(9)

Restorer¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-1| J: W Buick| T: Ian Williams| OR: 92| D

5/1

Still useful at the age of 8 and took advantage of a reduced mark on Newbury reappearance in June. Cracking second over 10f at Chester 11 days ago and he's a an each-way player in present form.

Form: 002-172

(6)

King's Caper²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 101

8/1

Three wins around 1m at 2 yrs and progressed again this term, runner-up in Italian Derby on his penultimate start. Creditable midfield effort at Goodwood (12f) since and no forlorn hope here.

Form: 32-5026

(2)

Dark Jedi¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 89

17/2

Quickly back on track for new yard, registering victories at Hamilton/Ripon prior to a cracking fourth in John Smith's Cup. Not disgraced at Newcastle (10f) latest and longer trip worth exploring.

Form: 8-71144

(3)

Zabeel Champion²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: R L Moore| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 94

11/8

Typically progressive handicapper for this yard, winning twice at Newmarket (10f) prior to a career-best second at Goodwood (9.9f) last time. Ready for the step up in trip on that evidence and claims.

Form: 12-0112

Non-Runners

(11)

Dash Of Spice²⁶

Weight: 9-7| Age: 6

T: D R C Elsworth J: Non Runner

(8)

Toronto¹³

Weight: 8-10| Age: 3

T: J G Given J: J P Sullivan

Forecasts

Zabeel Champion (11/8), Restorer (5/1), Alfaatik (15/2), King's Caper (8/1), Dark Jedi (17/2), Koeman (9/1), Dash Of Spice (10/1), On To Victory (18/1), Entangling (20/1), Toronto (25/1), Byron Flyer (33/1)

A dual 10f winner in handicaps at Newmarket, ZABEEL CHAMPION produced his best effort to date when runner-up over that sort of trip at Glorious Goodwood last time. That effort suggested this longer trip will suit moving forward and he is fancied to make a bold bid. There remains unfinished business with Alfaatik and he's worth a second look, along with King's Caper and On To Victory.