135th Year Of The Watt Memorial Handicap

Off time: 15:16 | Winning time: 3m 39.15s

(4)

Ben Lilly²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: G Lee| T: D H Brown| OR: 92| D

9/1

Seven wins from 18 Flat runs, including 2 more this year. Out of depth in Ascot Gold Cup latest but much respected back in these calmer waters.

Form: 411390

(6)

Flymetothestars³¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-10| J: Joanna Mason⁽³⁾| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 88| D

18/1

8/1, first run since leaving Sir Mark Prescott when fifth of 6 in handicap at York (1½m, good to firm) 31 days ago. Step back up in trip in his favour.

Form: 11324/5

(1)

Cuban Hope^h1¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: D Allan| T: Miss Gay Kelleway| OR: 87

16/1

150/1, first run since leaving Jim Bolger when eighth of 11 in handicap at Kempton (1½m) 13 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Hooded first time.

Form: 12010/8

(5)

Land Of Winter¹²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: P Mulrennan| T: Rae Guest| OR: 83| D

7/2

Struggled in handicap hurdles in the spring, but was in good form on the Flat last autumn, winning twice on heavy. The softer the ground the better for him.

Form: 22/2119-

(3)

Platform Nineteen^p⁶⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: C Lee| T: M L W Bell| OR: 83| CD

5/1

Most progressive when racking up 4-timer in 2019, with 2 of the wins coming over C&D. Missed 2020 so has clearly had the odd issue but he's still low mileage. Respected if betting vibes strong.

Form: 211117/

(2)

Golden Flame²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: B A Curtis| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 91

1/1

Bath maiden and AW handicap winner in April. Not up to the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot but retains potential back in handicap. Big player.

Form: 23-2110

Forecasts

Golden Flame (1/1), Land Of Winter (7/2), Platform Nineteen (5/1), Ben Lilly (9/1), Cuban Hope (16/1), Flymetothestars (18/1)

GOLDEN FLAME and Ben Lilly should both find life easier back in a handicap than they did in Group company at Royal Ascot last time and may be the pair to focus on, with preference for the former who has the scope for better still as a 3-y-o from a leading stable. The returning Platform Nineteen would also come into it if the betting suggests he's ready to roll.