14:20 Doncaster

Saturday 31 July 2021

All13:4514:2014:5515:3016:0216:37

Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Handicap

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 1m 1.18s

(6)

Country Carnival⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Watson| T: D O'Meara| OR: 72| D

7/2

Some pretty useful form during 2-y-o campaign, most notably when third in a York listed race. Hasn't come close to matching that level of form so far this season, but the handicapper has shown mercy.

Form: 073464

(7)

Tees Spirit⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Barry McHugh| T: Adrian Nicholls| OR: 72

9/4

Off the mark on return/handicap debut for bew yard at Ripon in April. Placed twice over 6f here since, including off this mark 9 days ago, and interesting now having another crack at the minimum trip.

Form: 0-12673

(5)

Madreselva¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: T Eaves| T: M Dods| OR: 68| D

18/1

Didn't do a great deal wrong at 2 yrs and stepped up on low-key reappearance when fourth of 13 at Redcar. However, disappointing in a Haydock handicap recently and needs to bounce back.

Form: 314-745

(2)

Bert Kibbler¹⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Harrison Shaw| T: T D Barron| OR: 67| D

9/2

Built on encouraging Catterick nursery debut when landing a 5f handicap at Wolverhampton on return in March. Good second over the same C&D later that month and, though absent since, he merits respect.

Form: 7853-12

(3)

High Security^b⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: Faye McManoman⁽³⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 59

7/2

Remains a maiden following 15 attempts, but he's been threatening to come good of late. Third in a higher-grade handicap at York (5.4f) last time and return to bare 5f here will be in his favour.

Form: 665353

(4)

Albegone^p⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 57

15/2

Improved when switched to handicaps earlier this season, hitting the crossbar at Redcar and Thirsk either side of finishing a close third at Musselburgh in May. Below par last 2 starts, though.

Form: 023264

Non-Runners

(1)

Shalaa Asker²⁴

Weight: 9-11| Age: 3

T: A Keatley J: D C Costello

Forecasts

Tees Spirit (9/4), Country Carnival (7/2), High Security (7/2), Shalaa Asker (7/2), Bert Kibbler (9/2), Albegone (15/2), Madreselva (18/1)

This looks very trappy indeed, with cases for and against easy to make for all seven. HIGH SECURITY's maiden status is naturally a concern given that he's had 15 bites at the cherry, but he is nonetheless appealing on the back of a solid effort in a stronger race than this with blinkers refitted at York recently. Tees Spirit and Country Carnival may emerge as the main dangers.