14:35 York

Saturday 12 June 2021

All14:0014:3515:0515:4016:1516:5017:25

JCB Handicap

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 1m 23.52s

(11)

Ostilio⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: P J McDonald| T: P T Midgley| OR: 105| D

50/1

Smart performer for Simon Crisford, winning a listed race at Redcar in October, but well held next 3 starts for this yard, including both starts this term.

Form: 4110-96

(1)

Gifted Ruler³⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Tom Marquand| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 92

7/1

Strong galloper who won at Haydock as a 2yo and got right back on the up when a staying-on second at Newmarket when last seen 12 months ago. Remains open to further improvement.

Form: 414/92-

(10)

Troubador¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| OR: 91| C

25/1

Useful at 2 yrs, winning 4 times. Found life a lot tougher last year and always behind at Haydock on return.

Form: 20500-0

(9)

Dazzling Dan²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: S W Kelly| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 91| D

11/2

Drew a blank last season, but back in the winning groove at Yarmouth (7f, good to firm) in April. Good third at Newmarket since and remains unexposed at this trip. Player.

Form: 440-813

(4)

Queen's Sargent¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 8-12| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan| OR: 89| D

15/2

Back-to-back winner last summer and better than ever to win at Catterick in April. Down the field next 3 starts but probably worth treating as if still in form.

Form: 4-61047

(3)

Golden Apollo^t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 8-11| J: Ella McCain⁽⁵⁾| T: T D Easterby| OR: 88| C

10/1

Ayr Silver Cup winner in 2019 but drew a blank in 6 outings in 2020. Well held on return but has generally needed his first run back and is now on a winning mark.

Form: 42060-0

(6)

Admirality²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 8-11| J: Jason Hart| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 88| D

15/2

Runner-up 4 times in a row last season but it's now 19 runs since his last win in 2019 and well held both starts this term.

Form: 2227-06

(8)

Broken Spear^p¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-10| J: Kieran Schofield⁽⁵⁾| T: T Coyle & K Wood| OR: 87| C| D

25/1

Ended losing run at Chester in May but no better than mid-field both starts since and is the type who needs things to drop his way.

Form: 02-9156

(7)

Manigordo^t⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 87| D

7/1

Better for return/first start for this yard to win at Thirsk in April and quickly back to form fitted with a tongue strap when third at Hamilton. Respected back over 7f.

Form: 07-0103

(2)

Baashir¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: Jim Crowley| T: C Hills| OR: 86| D

9/2

Lightly-raced winner. Very good second of 7 in handicap at Nottingham (looked more straightforward having been gelded) on return and not disgraced on AW debut next time. Could have more to offer.

Form: 2150-26

(5)

National League³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 83| BF

11/2

Drew a blank in 2020 but resumed this season with a couple of near-misses over 7f. Excuses both starts since and not ruled out despite being 3 lb out of the handicap. Usual headgear left off.

Form: 27-3270

Forecasts

Baashir (9/2), National League (11/2), Dazzling Dan (11/2), Manigordo (7/1), Gifted Ruler (7/1), Admirality (15/2), Queen's Sargent (15/2), Golden Apollo (10/1), Troubador (25/1), Broken Spear (25/1), Ostilio (50/1)

The unexposed GIFTED RULER took his form to another level when losing out on the nod at Newmarket 12 months ago. He's been off the track since, but this big-rangy galloper remains with potential and will be suited by this track, so could be the answer. Baashir is another lightly-raced sort who needs considering back on turf, while Dazzling Dan has made a good start to the season.