Kevin Hall & Pat Boakes Memorial Handicap

Off time: 17:11 | Winning time: 2m 40.59s

(3)

Stay Well²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: W Buick| T: H Morrison| OR: 86

10/1

Impressive winner of a Windsor maiden (10f) on return prior to disappointing on soft ground next 2 starts. Bit more like it when fourth in 8-runner Sandown handicap (10f) latest. Worth a crack at 1½m.

Form: 2-1504

(5)

Zuraig¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 83

13/2

Teofilo colt who came from an unpromising position to land 10f Windsor novice in May. Not disgraced next 2 starts and best effort yet when second in 11.5f at aforementioned venue in July. Respected.

Form: 61642

(6)

Encourage¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: James Doyle| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 83| BF

7/2

Posted career best when winning 5-runner handicap at Newbury (10f) 2 starts back and similar form when close-up third of 4 at Nottingham (10.2f) next time. Longer trip may unlock further progress.

Form: 3-55213

(1)

Balearic^b²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Tom Marquand| T: P & O Cole| OR: 81

10/3

Steadily progressive type who doubled career tally over 10f at Chepstow last month, going on 3f out and soon in command. That not a particularly strong race though, and this rates tougher.

Form: 4-41531

(4)

Zikany⁶³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 79| BF

5/2

Big improver switched to handicaps this term, winning readily at Windsor (11.5f) in May prior to a solid third over this trip at Newbury (12f) in June. Type to progress further for powerful stable.

Form: 84-7213

(2)

Alpine Stroll⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Elisha Whittington⁽⁵⁾| T: E De Giles| OR: 78

7/1

Maiden who went close to bucking that trend over C&D in June, rallying and keeping on. Never threatened in stronger company at Haydock (1¾m) last time but not one to write off on balance.

Form: 732620

Forecasts

Zikany (5/2), Balearic (10/3), Encourage (7/2), Zuraig (13/2), Alpine Stroll (7/1), Stay Well (10/1)

A competitive-looking handicap for all it's a small field with the vote in favour of ENCOURAGE. A winner at Newbury (10f) in July he ran to a similar level when a close-up third at Nottingham latest, despite shaping as though a stronger gallop would have suited ideally. He may have more to offer and can come out on top, with Zikany and Zuraig heading up the dangers.