16:25 York

Saturday 24 July 2021

All14:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:0017:35

Sky Bet Proud To Support Macmillan Handicap

Off time: 16:26 | Winning time: 3m 38.76s

(5)

Ernesto^p,t²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: Jim Crowley| T: Ian Williams| OR: 87

8/1

Struggled on the level during second half of 2020 upon joining this stable. More impact over hurdles of late, scoring twice prior to a respectable fifth at Uttoxeter (23.3f) latest. Not discounted.

Form: 6/00985-

(2)

Monsieur Lambrays^v²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: Tom Clover| OR: 86| CD

4/1

Progressive last season, scoring at Salisbury (14f) prior to a career-best effort to land this race from 2 lb lower. Below that level since, including on AW latest, but better showing not ruled out.

Form: 1105-40

(7)

Watersmeet¹⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 9-7| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 85| D

16/1

Grand servant to connections who ran well on the back of a lengthy absence at Wolverhampton (16.5f) in February. However, not in same form either start since and tough to assess on balance.

Form: 1P5/400

(1)

Eagle Court^h1¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: D Nolan| T: D O'Meara| OR: 84

14/1

Three-time winner last year (at up to 10f) who is yet to fire this season, no threat when sixth of 9 over 11.8f here 2 weeks ago. Up significantly in trip but best efforts have come on softer ground.

Form: 10-6306

(3)

Greengage^h³²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: P Mulrennan| T: T Davidson| OR: 80

11/2

Thriving mare who added a fifth success of the campaign to her tally at Ayr (13f) in June. Tactically versatile and a 4 lb rise shouldn't rule out another bold bid upped to 2m.

Form: 311131

(6)

Dance To Paris^v²²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Connor Beasley| T: L Wadham| OR: 80| D

13/2

Consistent sort who stepped up on return effort when second at Sandown (14f) in June. Rare below par display back there 3 weeks ago and no surprise to see her bounce back.

Form: 142-428

(4)

Bollin Neil^p¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-3| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 67| BF| D

9/1

Landed back-to-back staying handicaps at Catterick in May. Remained in form since, placed at Nottingham/Catterick of late. Versatile as regards ground and no reason why he won't go well again.

Form: 021132

(8)

Ghadbbaan¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-3| J: Cam Hardie| T: B Ellison| OR: 67| BF

9/4

Shed maiden tag at Thirsk (14f) and remained in form since, losing little caste in defeat when staying on for second in a C&D handicap 2 weeks ago. Another with sound claims of hitting the frame.

Form: 513442

Forecasts

Ghadbbaan (9/4), Monsieur Lambrays (4/1), Greengage (11/2), Dance To Paris (13/2), Ernesto (8/1), Bollin Neil (9/1), Eagle Court (14/1), Watersmeet (16/1)

A leap of faith is required in supporting last year's winner MONSIEUR LAMBRAYS, yet he wasn't seen to best effect in a stronger race at Newcastle last time and, from his reduced mark/back in calmer waters, he may well be up to bouncing back under Andrea Atzeni. Greengage is enjoying a fine season and is feared, along with the consistent Ghadbbaan.