14:05 Newbury

Friday 13 May 2022

All13:0013:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:20

Coolmore Stud Handicap

Off time: 14:07 | Winning time: 1m 13.14s

(3)

Able Kane¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: David Probert| T: B R Millman| OR: 92| D

4/1

Likeable sort who ended 2021 in top form, signing off with a 7f success at Leicester. Not at his best in two starts so far this season (both over 7f at Newmarket), but drop back to 6f won't be an issue and he'll be a threat if on-song.

Form: 2141-44

(5)

Bernardo O'Reilly³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: A Kirby| T: R Spencer| OR: 91| CD

11/2

Snapped a losing run when landing a big-field Doncaster handicap on return in March. Not in the same form when carrying a penalty at Windsor next time, though, and probably a shade too high in the weights for now.

Form: 9230-19

(7)

Silver Samurai^h⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: M Botti| OR: 88| D

4/1

Posted a smooth success at Doncaster (7f) last June and has held his form well since. Lost little caste in defeat back at this trip with the hood refitted at Ascot recently and possibilities off the same mark here with William Buick aboard.

Form: 723-283

(4)

Ibiza Rocks²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: K Shoemark| T: C Hills| OR: 86| C

4/1

Yet to add to his 7f maiden success at 2 yrs, but he was runner-up twice in decent handicaps last term. Gelded during the winter and too free on return at Newmarket (7f. good), but should be sharper now and drop to 6f an interesting move.

Form: 32320-5

(6)

Mitrosonfire²⁰³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Nicola Currie| T: W Muir & C Grassick| OR: 86| D

14/1

More than paid his way in 2021, bagging four handicaps over this trip, the latest off 1 lb lower at Newmarket. Possibly unsuited by conditions when well held over C&D on final run of last season and could be a factor if fully tuned-up.

Form: 112840-

(1)

Puerto De Vega^t²²

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: Marco Ghiani| T: S C Williams| OR: 81| BF| D

13/2

Winner of two of his five starts on the AW since joining this yard. Wasn't seen to best effect at Chelmsford (6f) last time, but needs a clear career-best off this mark now returned to turf.

Form: 03-1314

(2)

Indian Creak¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: S De Sousa| T: M R Channon| OR: 80| D

5/1

Made a winning reappearance at Windsor last season, but failed to repeat the dose at that Berkshire venue on return this time round. Followed that with another below par display at Goodwood a fortnight ago and now has a bit to prove.

Form: 3593-07

Forecasts

Silver Samurai (4/1), Able Kane (4/1), Ibiza Rocks (4/1), Indian Creak (5/1), Bernardo O'Reilly (11/2), Puerto De Vega (13/2), Mitrosonfire (14/1)

The vote goes to IBIZA ROCKS, who was a winner on his sole previous visit here as a 2-y-o and he showed enough early dash on his reappearance over 7f at Newmarket to suggest that this drop in trip could work in his favour. Silver Samurai is respected on the back of a solid effort at Ascot, while Mitrosonfire and Able Kane both have claims based on the 2021 exploits.