16:10 Newbury

Saturday 24 October 2020

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Pravha Stakes (Registered As The St Simon Stakes) (Group 3)

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 2m 50.49s

(7)

Euchen Glen¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: P Mulrennan| T: J S Goldie| OR: 109| D

9/2

Missed 2019 but he's returned from an absence better than ever, winning competitive handicap at Haydock in September and a York Group 3 2 weeks ago. 3 lb penalty now but can't dismiss in current mood.

Form: 655141

(3)

Alounak⁵⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 112| BF

11/2

Represents last year's winning connections. Has had excuses since his second in Hardwicke at Royal Ascot in June and he'll be bang there if back to that sort of form.

Form: 5-62556

(8)

Away He Goes⁴²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Jim Crowley| T: I Mohammed| OR: 103| C| D

6/1

Posted smart effort when landing Doncaster handicap over this trip last month, pushed out to win easily. However, he will require another improved effort to follow up on this return to pattern level.

Form: 1-63251

(6)

Glencadam Glory^h⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Rob Hornby| T: T D Easterby| OR: 104| D

33/1

Useful gelding. As good as ever when second from the front in the Ebor but well behind Euchen Glen at Haydock since.

Form: 406520

(4)

Natural History¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 97| D

8/1

Made light of 2 year-absence to win Chester handicap last month and even better form when following up at Goodwood a month later. Takes a jump in class but there could be more to come.

Form: 3612/11

(5)

Raymond Tusk²⁸⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: J P Spencer| T: R Hannon| OR: 111| BF| C| D

10/1

Former Listed/Group 2 winner and posted several really smart efforts last season. Not seen since a below-form fourth on AW in January but leading claims if returning anywhere near his best.

Form: 37401-4

(1)

Kipps¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Hollie Doyle| T: H Morrison| OR: 90

11/4

Winless this term but series of solid efforts in ultra-competitive 3-y-o handicaps, including when third of 17 at Newmarket (soft) 15 days ago. More required at this level, though.

Form: 224333

(2)

Litigator¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: J F Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 104| D

13/2

Useful around 1½m in France and showed improved form at first time of asking for Roger Varian when 4 lengths sixth of 12 in 9f Newmarket Group 2 weeks ago. Step back up in trip a help. Not discounted.

Form: 212316

Forecasts

Kipps (11/4), Euchen Glen (9/2), Alounak (11/2), Away He Goes (6/1), Litigator (13/2), Natural History (8/1), Raymond Tusk (10/1), Glencadam Glory (33/1)

ALOUNAK has had excuses for his lesser efforts since his fine second in the Hardwicke and could be the way to go, particularly as main form rival Raymond Tusk hasn't been seen since a below-par run on AW in January. Litigator will be suited by the step back up in trip and also merits respect on what is just his second start for Roger Varian.