15:25 Sandown

Saturday 12 June 2021

All13:0513:3514:1514:5015:2516:0016:35

Coral Handicap

Off time: 15:28 | Winning time: 1m 56.18s

(5)

Dark Lion²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 92

22/1

Useful 7f winner who was second in Newmarket Group 3 last autumn. Efforts this year have been uninspiring, though.

Form: 425-737

(4)

Ensured²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: S De Sousa| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 90| C

7/2

Progressing fast and, having been dropped out, stormed clear to land a novice in testing conditions at this track (10f) 23 days ago. Needs to back that up on firmer ground, now.

Form: 341

(3)

King Of Clubs²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: H Morrison| OR: 85

11/10

Improving by the run and well on top at the finish when opening his account in a maiden at Nottingham 25 days ago. Form of penultimate start working out well, so excellent claims on handicap bow.

Form: 5-521

(8)

Fountain Cross²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: P J Dobbs| T: R Hannon| OR: 84

33/1

Fairly useful performer who was perhaps unsuited by the ground when down the field at Newbury last time. Vulnerable to less-exposed sorts, however.

Form: 029-038

(1)

Arqoob¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W Jarvis| OR: 83

5/1

Not long with current stable and upped his game markedly to run out a convincing winner at Yarmouth 11 days ago. Type to improve further, so makes plenty of appeal from a good draw.

Form: 435-71

(7)

Taravara^v³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: K Shoemark| T: C G Cox| OR: 82

20/1

Improved in a visor for new yard this term, second in handicaps at Nottingham and Doncaster. Pulled too hard at Newmarket last time, though, so needs to settle better back in trip.

Form: 735-226

(9)

Dejame Paso²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 80

11/1

Off the mark at Lingfield in October and better form first two starts this year. Progress stalled at Newbury last month but likely to bounce back on more suitable ground.

Form: 771-536

(2)

Toronado Grey²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: David Probert| T: G & J Moore| OR: 76

40/1

Improving sort who confirmed previous encouragement when opening his account in a Lingfield novice in January. Underperformed on turf debut at Goodwood on sole start since, though.

Form: 883-18

(6)

Escobedo¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-4| J: Thore Hammer-Hansen⁽³⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 73

12/1

Hasn't had much racing and returned with an improved showing when second under a positive ride at Windsor 12 days ago. Solid claims if he gets out in front again.

Form: 357-2

Forecasts

King Of Clubs (11/10), Ensured (7/2), Arqoob (5/1), Dejame Paso (11/1), Escobedo (12/1), Taravara (20/1), Dark Lion (22/1), Fountain Cross (33/1), Toronado Grey (40/1)

KING OF CLUBS has an upwardly-mobile profile and was firmly on top at the line when opening his account at Nottingham last time, so he's fancied to go in again from what strikes as a reasonable opening mark. Arqoob, another impressive winner last time, is regarded as the main danger ahead of Ensured.