Mettal UK Handicap

Off time: 16:02 | Winning time: 2m 8.81s

(1)

War Leader¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: A Kirby| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 80| D

10/1

Come good back at 1¼m, bagging handicaps at Yarmouth and Chelmsford in decisive fashion in recent months. Below best twice since though, so must bounce back.

Form: 861104

(6)

Camelot Tales²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: W Buick| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 86| BF| D

85/40

Resumed progress in good style when accounting for his elders over 1¼m at Ayr in July, looking a useful prospect Too free up at 1½m at Ascot since but well worth another chance back down in trip.

Form: 4-17713

(4)

Arctic Vega²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 78| BF

9/2

Both wins gained on the AW but equally effective on turf. Quickly back to form at Sandown last time and no reason why he won't give another good account.

Form: 503453

(2)

Gold Arch¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Hollie Doyle| T: P D Evans| OR: 75

20/1

Capable if temperamental sort who was easy to back and shaped as though he would come on for his return/yard debut at Kempton (12f) 10 days ago. Mark has eased but needs to keep slow starting at bay.

Form: 24230-4

(5)

Tawaareq¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Jim Crowley| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 83

13/8

Doncaster maiden winner (7f) 11 months ago who finished first past post back there in June (demoted for causing interference). Respectable efforts both starts since and expected to feature.

Form: 16-4D42

(3)

Bill Peyto¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: D M Simcock| OR: 82

11/1

Low-mileage 3-y-o who built on debut effort when landing AW novice (1m) in December. Good second at Chester (7.5f) in June and best to forgive Goodwood run since (possibly amiss). Not one to write off

Form: 21-20

Forecasts

Tawaareq (13/8), Camelot Tales (85/40), Arctic Vega (9/2), War Leader (10/1), Bill Peyto (11/1), Gold Arch (20/1)

CAMELOT TALES looked a useful prospect when scoring in fine style at Ayr (1¼m) on his penultimate start. His subsequent effort over further is best forgiven (proved too free) and he remains one to be positive about back down at this trip. Tawaareq and Arctic Vega are both proving consistent and can give the selection most to think about.