16:45 Ascot

Saturday 10 July 2021

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

Betfred Nifty Fifty Handicap

Off time: 16:47 | Winning time: 2m 42.09s

(4)

Recovery Run²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 98

25/1

Useful juvenile but not at his best all three starts this season, only 11th in Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot last time. Drops back into handicap company now but still has it to prove.

Form: 212-950

(7)

Pleasant Man¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: K Shoemark| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 95| D

16/1

Was a bit underwhelming on his first 2 starts of the year but, having been gelded since Chester, showed improved form to make a winning handicap debut at Salisbury 17 days ago. Well in the mix here.

Form: 15-351

(2)

Dhushan³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: D Tudhope| T: W J Haggas| OR: 92| D

11/4

Sea The Stars colt who followed Haydock novice win with ready success on handicap bow at Musselburgh (12f). Sort to keep on improving, and still looks ahead of his mark despite 7 lb rise. Big player.

Form: 2-211

(5)

Irish Legend^b²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: J P Spencer| T: H Palmer| OR: 91

15/2

Resumed winning ways at Newcastle in May before very good third in 1m2f handicap here three weeks ago. Likely he has more to offer now stepping up to 1m4f, so needs considering.

Form: 11-013

(3)

Mystical Dawn⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: P J Dobbs| T: C Appleby| OR: 90

9/1

Largely progressive colt who arrives on the back of excellent second of 5 in handicap at Haydock (11.8f, heavy) 49 days ago, clear of rest. Up 4 lb but still high on the shortlist.

Form: 1-522

(1)

First Light²³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 90

11/2

Opened his account by a wide margin in Ripon maiden before good seventh of 17 in handicap over C&D 23 days ago, making most. Seems sure to go well again off an unchanged mark.

Form: 2-317

(9)

Glentaneous²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: L Morris| T: B J Meehan| OR: 89

16/1

Landed the odds in 1m novice at Lingfield and posted good seventh of 14 on handicap bow here three weeks ago, despite not enjoying the best of runs. Shouldn't be underestimated on first go at 1m4f.

Form: 2127

(8)

Surrey Gold⁵⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: R Kingscote| T: H Morrison| OR: 87

3/1

Much improved returned to turf when emphatic winner of 11f Newbury handicap in May. Handicapper hasn't missed him with a 12 lb rise but likely has more to offer back at 1½m.

Form: 901-21

(6)

Glen Again²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: B A Curtis| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 85

12/1

Gained second success of 2021 in 1m2f handicap at Nottingham and has posted two creditable efforts to make the frame over 1m4f since. No forlorn hope.

Form: 214124

Forecasts

Dhushan (11/4), Surrey Gold (3/1), First Light (11/2), Irish Legend (15/2), Mystical Dawn (9/1), Glen Again (12/1), Pleasant Man (16/1), Glentaneous (16/1), Recovery Run (25/1)

A cracking 3yo handicap in which William Haggas' improving Sea The Stars colt DHUSHAN is fancied to emerge on top and complete a hat-trick before tackling better company in the autumn. Impressive Newbury scorer Surrey Gold is another with much better days ahead of him and rates next on the list, with First Light, Mystical Dawn and Pleasant Man also much respected in a very hot heat.