Newmarket Challenge Whip Handicap

Off time: 17:20 | Winning time: 2m 6.46s

(2)

Bottom Bay^t⁵¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: M L W Bell| OR: 85WS

7/2

Progressive sort who, with the addition of a tongue tie, has scored in a brace of handicaps at Beverley (8.4f) the last twice. Up 3 lb and has had a wind op.

Form: 43-3311

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(1)

Caen Na Coille²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: S Donohoe| T: C Fellowes| OR: 76

10/1

Winner at Chelmsford City in March in good form on the all-weather of late. Not entirely disgraced at Kempton when eighth earlier this month but will need more to land this.

Form: 180228

(3)

Zoran^t,v¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: H Palmer| OR: 78| BF

6/4

Progressive sort who ran well in a first-time visor after 12 weeks off when second at Windsor 17 days ago, just unable to see off the challenge of a more hardened competitor. Leading claims here.

Form: 72-422

(5)

Voice Of Calm²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: J Quinn| T: H J L Dunlop| OR: 67| D

7/1

Improved when making a successful reappearance at Lingfield (AW) in June. Wasted no time getting back to form when fourth at Sandown (10f, good to soft) 24 days ago, nearest finish. Not ruled out.

Form: 333-194

(4)

French Riviera^p²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: Hollie Doyle| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 67

3/1

Still a maiden, but a brace of runner-up efforts at Chepstow this term confirm she's in good order. Too free here (July course) last month but can bounce back.

Form: 07-3227

Forecasts

Zoran (6/4), French Riviera (3/1), Bottom Bay (7/2), Voice Of Calm (7/1), Caen Na Coille (10/1)

Impossible to rule any of the quintet out here. However, preference is for Hugo Palmer's ZORAN, who has finished runner-up on his last 2 starts in handicaps and seems sure to go well again. Voice Of Calm wasted no time getting back to form at Sandown last time and she narrowly gets the vote for the forecast spot, ahead of Caen Na Coille.