16:10 Ascot

Friday 3 September 2021

All13:2013:5514:3015:0515:4016:1016:45

Bateaux London Handicap

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 1m 13.24s

(1)

Aljari²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Christian Howarth⁽⁷⁾| T: M Botti| OR: 86| D

12/1

Winner of 4 of his 13 starts on the AW, but effort back on turf when returning from a 5-month break/wind op at Yarmouth (6f) was no more than respectable. Others preferred.

Form: 46-0564

(3)

Bernardo O'Reilly³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: Angus Villiers⁽⁵⁾| T: R Spencer| OR: 86| D

8/1

Form has dipped the last twice, but he would be a big player if able to match the level of form he showed in big-field handicaps over this C&D and at Haydock earlier this season.

Form: 70-6380

(4)

Prontissimo^t1²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Jim Crowley| T: P Owens| OR: 85| BF

2/1

Kempton maiden winner who found just one too good on handicap bow at Doncaster (7f) in July. Again hit the crossbar back on the AW latest and of strong interest down in trip here. Tongue strap added.

Form: 21722

(8)

Spirited Guest²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: T P Queally| T: G G Margarson| OR: 83| C| D

11/1

Has already more than paid his way this year, notching third success off the campaign in a C&D lady riders' handicap in July. Excuses at Yarmouth since, but current mark looks tough all the same.

Form: 151215

(5)

Louie de Palma⁶^{(ex 4)}

Age: 9| Weight: 9-5| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox| OR: 79| CD

9/2

Form: 090-961

(7)

Dancinginthewoods^h1²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: D K Ivory| OR: 82| BF| D

10/3

Resumed winning ways at Leicester in April and added to his tally at Newmarket (6f) on penultimate start. Creditable third over the same C&D next time and possibilities here in a first-time hood.

Form: 143413

(6)

Equiano Springs²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: T P Tate| OR: 80| D

8/1

Dual winner in 2020 and was runner-up in a C&D handicap off an 8 lb higher mark last August. Below par so far this season, but dangerous to discount down in class here with Ryan Moore in the hot-seat.

Form: 7-68055

Non-Runners

(2)

Beauty Choice⁸⁹

Weight: 9-2| Age: 4

T: C Fellowes J: J P Spencer

Forecasts

Prontissimo (2/1), Dancinginthewoods (10/3), Louie de Palma (9/2), Bernardo O'Reilly (8/1), Equiano Springs (8/1), Spirited Guest (11/1), Aljari (12/1), Beauty Choice (14/1)

None of these can be ruled out with complete confidence, but the 3-y-o PRONTISSIMO is much the least exposed and this drop to 6f back on a galloping track may prove ideal. The booking of Jim Crowley is another positive factor. Louie De Palma is feared on the back of his recent Windsor success, while the consistent Dancinginthewoods also needs considering, but Beauty Choice rates the main danger.