16:30 Newbury

Friday 13 August 2021

All13:0713:4014:1014:4515:2015:5516:3017:05

Christopher Smith Associates Handicap (Str)

Off time: 16:32 | Winning time: 1m 40.84s

(2)

Walhaan²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: James Doyle| T: J Tate| OR: 85

11/2

Dual winner in France and, though yet to strike on these shores, he twice hit the crossbar in Ascot handicaps for Ian Williams last term. Positives signs at Newcastle latest and he's on a good mark.

Form: 8204-75

(8)

Turntable¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: J Mitchell| T: C F Wall| OR: 83| D

11/1

Successful over 1m at Newmarket in May and solid placed efforts next 2 starts. However, good run of form came to a grinding halt at Goodwood recently and others look better treated.

Form: 4-31320

(4)

Top Secret^h¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: M Dwyer| T: W Muir & C Grassick| OR: 80

5/1

Deservedly opened his account in 7f Ascot handicap last month. Conceded first run when going down narrowly next time at Newmarket, leaving the impression that this new trip is well worth exploring.

Form: 36-7412

(6)

Dogged²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: D R C Elsworth| OR: 78| BF| D

7/1

Good third on second start of this campaign at Sandown (1m) in June. Not disgraced when fourth over the same C&D last time (didn't help himself by taking a keen hold) and now 2 lb lower.

Form: 85-5364

(1)

Willyorwon't He⁴⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Hollie Doyle| T: P J McBride| OR: 83| D

3/1

Gelded during the spring and has subsequently raised his game, backing up his Kempton breakthrough success with solid placed efforts at Doncaster (1m) and Newmarket (1¼m). Couldn't rule out.

Form: 262123

(7)

Choritzo²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Rossa Ryan| T: D Loughnane| OR: 82

18/1

Wolverhampton maiden winner on debut last summer and runner-up there on return/handicap debut in April. However, largely below par since and others make more appeal.

Form: 6-27658

(3)

Neenee's Choice²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 78| D

10/3

Gelded following low-key 2-y-o debut and duly left that form well behind when runner-up on return at Windsor. Went one better in 1m Ffos Las maiden since and mark for this handicap bow looks fair.

Form: 0-21

(5)

Bakersboy^p1⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Tom Marquand| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 77

12/1

Arguably posted his best effort yet when chasing home a borderline-smart type in a soft-ground handicap at Haydock (1m) 6 days ago. Possibilities here off the same mark, if able to build on that.

Form: 5-75372

Forecasts

Willyorwon't He (3/1), Neenee's Choice (10/3), Top Secret (5/1), Walhaan (11/2), Dogged (7/1), Turntable (11/1), Bakersboy (12/1), Choritzo (18/1)

TOP SECRET represents a yard in terrific form and shaped as though ready for the step up to this trip when a strong-finishing second over 7f at Newmarket a fortnight ago. He is marginally preferred to Walhaan, who has slipped to a potentially handy mark and there were positives to glean form his latest effort. Unexposed handicap debutant Neenee's Choice and Willyorwon't He are others to consider.