BetVictor Handicap (Str)

Off time: 17:15 | Winning time: 1m 24.36s

(5)

Nine Tales¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-12| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 82| BF| D

7/2

Kingman colt who landed maiden/minor events at up to 7f upon returning last month. However, didn't look an easy ride when fifth of 6 on handicap bow at Chelmsford (6f) latest. That a concern here.

Form: 2-115

(6)

Fangorn¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Rob Hornby| T: M R Channon| OR: 77| D

5/2

Exploits in handicaps rather mixed this summer but his latest C&D second was very much a return to form, keeping on inside final 1f. Possibilities if replicating that here.

Form: 893562

(3)

Mummy's Boy¹³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: R L Moore| T: C Hills| OR: 76

5/1

Low-mileage 3-y-o who showed promise in trio of AW minor events during the winter. Below that level on return at Bath (1m) but switch to handicaps a plus and booking of Moore catches the eye.

Form: 524-3

(4)

Eloquent Arthur¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 75

9/2

Returned a much-improved model when scoring decisively at Windsor (6f) in May. Efforts mixed since, below form at Haydock (7f) 17 days ago but bounce back not ruled out.

Form: 8-17427

(1)

Beloved^h1³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: E Walker| OR: 72

7/2

350,000 gns Frankel filly who displayed promise in trio of maiden/minor events spread over 4 months. Possible first run for 3 months was needed at York in July and she may well come forward. Hood on.

Form: 65-48

(2)

Breakfastatiffanys¹¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Dane O'Neill| T: S Kirk| OR: 70

25/1

Improved with each run to date and shaped as if there could be further progress in her when third in novice at Lingfield (10f) in April. Can do better handicapping but drop in trip may not be ideal.

Form: 5-53

Forecasts

Fangorn (5/2), Beloved (7/2), Nine Tales (7/2), Eloquent Arthur (9/2), Mummy's Boy (5/1), Breakfastatiffanys (25/1)

FANGORN's form has been a little up and down this campaign but his latest runners-up effort in a C&D event was very much a return to form and a repeat may well be enough to see him come out on top. Eloquent Arthur disappointed at Haydock last time but a bounce back is distinctly possible and he, along with Beloved, may emerge as the chief threats.