Betway Handicap

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 2m 6.07s

(4)

You're Hired⁷⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 9-11| J: David Probert| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 97| D

12/1

Three wins from 8 runs last year, the latest at Chelmsford in November. 6/1, fourth of 7 in handicap at that course (8f) 78 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Back up in trip and more needed.

Form: 493114-

(1)

Emblem Empire^t⁸⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 93| BF| CD

15/8

Lightly-raced C&D winner. Two wins from 4 runs last year, the latest at Chelmsford City in October. 8/11, second of 4 in handicap at this C&D (AW) 86 days ago. High on the shortlist.

Form: 2112-

(5)

Anythingtoday^p¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-3| J: Harry Davies⁽⁷⁾| T: G Boughey| OR: 89| CD

9/1

C&D winner. Latest win here in August. 3¼ lengths fifth of 7 to Old Port in handicap (7/1) at Kempton (11f) 19 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Possibilities off this reduced mark if on-song.

Form: 1100-95

(3)

Old Port¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: George Downing| T: P D Evans| OR: 85

11/4

Promising individual. 6/4, career best when winning 7-runner handicap at Kempton (11f) 19 days ago, well on top finish. Nudged up just 2 lb and he should have more to offer.

Form: 533-111

(2)

Menai Bridge¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: Marco Ghiani| T: C Hills| OR: 82| BF| CD

9/4

C&D winner. Three wins from 6 runs last year. Good third of 7 in handicap (11/8) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 13 days ago. Likely to give another good account of himself.

Form: 24131-3

Forecasts

Emblem Empire (15/8), Menai Bridge (9/4), Old Port (11/4), Anythingtoday (9/1), You're Hired (12/1)

OLD PORT has progressed with each of his three starts since switched to handicaps, completing the hat-trick at Kempton recently, and a 2 lb rise for that looks very fair indeed. Further improvement is entirely possible and he is marginally preferred to Emblem Empire, who pulled clear of a dual subsequent winner when runner-up over C&D in December. Menai Bridge is also accorded respect.