Betway Handicap

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 2m 3.41s

(2)

Sky Defender⁸⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 104| CD

3/1

C&D winner. Three wins from 15 runs last year. Proved a disappointment at Kempton on final outing, but shouldn’t be judged too harshly on that given a busy year.

Form: 230226-

(4)

Assimilation¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: L Morris| T: E Walker| OR: 96

15/2

Produced a career best to resume winning ways at Chelmsford City in December. Confirmed that improvement back there 18 days ago, so still needs viewing positively.

Form: 657D1-3

(3)

Power Of States^t,v⁹^{(ex 5)}

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: R Kingscote| T: H Palmer| OR: 90| D

11/8

Five wins from 18 Flat runs, latest in 7-runner handicap (11/4) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 9 days ago, quickening to lead home turn and driven clear. Carries 5 lb penalty and may go in again.

Form: 51113-1

(1)

United Front¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: Josephine Gordon| T: M Appleby| OR: 89

5/2

Ran best race on just second start for this yard when second of 6 in handicap at this C&D (AW) 18 days ago, sticking to task. Can go well again.

Form: 9/1482-2

Forecasts

Power Of States (11/8), United Front (5/2), Sky Defender (3/1), Assimilation (15/2)

POWER OF STATES steps up to class 2 company now, but he's proving progressive and can go in again under a penalty. United Front is the one fancied to chase him home.