Betway Handicap

Off time: 14:21 | Winning time: 2m 41.19s

(2)

Stargazer²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-12| J: K Stott| T: P A Kirby| OR: 102| C

2/1

Course winner who caused a surprise when resuming winning ways at Haydock (14f) in September. Disappointing at Doncaster since but return to AW rates an obvious plus.

Form: 31-0018

(4)

The Trader¹¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 96| D

2/1

Latest win at Newmarket (12f) in June. Creditable third of 8 in handicap at Ripon (12f) in July, whilst done no favours by the hanging winner. Arrives fresh for this time of year and claims.

Form: 844-133

(1)

Amazing Red²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: James Doyle| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 90| D

3/1

Useful handicapper who hasn't been firing on all cylinders in recent months, below form fourth of 8 in handicap at Doncaster (14.5f, soft) 27 days ago. Switch back to AW may bring about an upturn.

Form: 374434

(3)

Nicholas T¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 8-10| J: Phil Dennis| T: J S Goldie| OR: 86

18/1

Successful on return to action at Ayr (10f) in June but below form on turf in recent weeks, well beaten in a 7f handicap at Doncaster 12 days ago. Not the easiest to weigh up back on all-weather.

Form: 976070

(5)

Cardano^p⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: Ray Dawson⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 84

8/1

Twelfth of 14 in handicap (28/1) at York (10.2f, soft) 40 days ago, off the bridle before most and weakening 2f out. Refitting of cheekpieces may help and market confidenc would make him of interest.

Form: 145-270

Forecasts

Stargazer (2/1), The Trader (2/1), Amazing Red (3/1), Cardano (8/1), Nicholas T (18/1)

A winner at Newmarket in June, THE TRADER acquitted himself with credit both starts in defeat on turf the following month. Mark Johnston's 4-y-o arrives here fresher than most and is fancied to make a bold bid. Amazing Red and Stargazer can give him most to think about.