13:50 Ascot

Wednesday 27 April 2022

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4017:10

Manny Mercer Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 1m 40.6s

(5)

Good Birthday^v²⁰⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Harry Davies⁽⁷⁾| T: A M Balding| OR: 92| D

10/1

Landed Zetland Gold Cup last May and took another good pot at Doncaster (10.2f) in July. Ended campaign with a solid third in a class 2 York handicap (10.2f) in October and not discounted on return with promising apprentice taking off valuable 7 lb.

Form: 491003-

(9)

Tahitian Prince^p²⁰⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Liam Browne⁽⁵⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 89| D

9/2

Enjoyed a very productive 2021, bagging fourth victory at Kempton (1m) in September and likely he'd have gone very close again but for being held up in his run over C&D final start. Worth a look on return despite career-high mark.

Form: 311215-

(1)

Lyndon B^p²¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: William Cox| T: J L Flint| OR: 85| D

33/1

Back to winning ways over this trip at Sandown in July and confirmed himself back in top form when second at Goodwood (9f) in September, no extra only late on. This run may just be needed, however.

Form: 751042-

(8)

Mostawaa³²

Age: 6| Weight: 8-10| J: Laura Pearson| T: H Main| OR: 81| D

7/1

Winner at Kempton (1m) last winter who posted mixed bag on turf/AW last term. Hasn't been operating at his best in couple of starts so far this year but he was second from 7 lb higher in this 12 months ago. Dangerous to discount if getting his own way in front.

Form: 0705-65

(7)

Enough Already^p1²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 8-9| J: Christian Howarth⁽⁵⁾| T: H Spiller| OR: 80| D

11/2

Back-to-back winner of 1m handicaps on turf early last year for Lee Carter. Yard debut effort excused and quickly back to best when second at Kempton (1m) 3 weeks ago, coming from further back than the pair he split. Not ruled out.

Form: 674-382

(6)

Repertoire²⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 8-9| J: Saffie Osborne| T: D M Simcock| OR: 80

6/1

Solid display when third in this race 12 months ago (doing best of those held up) but ended the year out of sorts, failing to beat a rival on 3 of his last 4 starts. Is operating from career-low mark if a break perks him up.

Form: 556500-

(3)

Hathlool⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-6| J: Theodore Ladd| T: M Appleby| OR: 77

7/2

Bagged third victory for Mick Appleby when dead-heating at Newcastle (10f) and he arrives having run well despite proving a bit too keen when third at Doncaster (10.2f) on Saturday. Remains of interest dropping back to 1m.

Form: 1-41983

(4)

Mark Of Respect²³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-4| J: Tyler Heard⁽³⁾| T: J G Portman| OR: 75| D

5/1

Showed improved form when defying a 5 lb lower mark at Newmarket (1m) in June and consistency hard to knock subsequently, finding only one too good on return at Windsor (1m) 23 days ago. Should continue in form.

Form: 12323-2

(2)

History Writer⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 8-3| J: Aidan Keeley⁽⁵⁾| T: M R Hoad| OR: 74| D

50/1

Not disgraced when eighth in last season's Victoria Cup but ended time with David Menuisier out of sorts and not threatened in trio of starts on AW for present yard. Can only be watched back on turf.

Form: 0005-98

Forecasts

Hathlool (7/2), Tahitian Prince (9/2), Mark Of Respect (5/1), Enough Already (11/2), Repertoire (6/1), Mostawaa (7/1), Good Birthday (10/1), Lyndon B (33/1), History Writer (50/1)

A 3-time winner already on all-weather for Mick Appleby, HATHLOOL still appeals as being on a handy mark and, granted a good pace to aim at dropping back to 1m, he could well be ready to open his account on turf. Tahitian Prince enjoyed a very productive 2021 and is feared, along with Enough Already.