Thank You For Supporting Racing Welfare Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 1m 12.28s

(2)

Brazen Bolt¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: Mark Winn| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 72

7/4

Thrived towards the end of last season and made a solid start to the new campaign when third at Thirsk 13 days ago. Should strip fitter for it, so likely to be back on the up.

Form: 31121-3

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(4)

Cahors⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Molly Gunn⁽⁸⁾| T: A Carson| OR: 70

16/1

Well handicapped in theory but has failed to beat a rival the last twice, so arrives with plenty to prove.

Form: 73-9477

(5)

Expert Opinion^p²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Sam Feilden⁽⁵⁾| T: H Spiller| OR: 70

14/1

17/2, seventh of 9 in handicap at Yarmouth (5.2f, good to firm) 24 days ago. Doesn't seem to be in top form at present, so others are more appealing.

Form: 23-5267

(1)

As If By Chance^v⁷^{(ex 5)}

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Alex Jary⁽⁶⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 65| D

11/10

Benefited from a visor and jockey change when readily scoring at Nottingham a week ago and, if in the same form, should make another good fist of it.

Form: 631-641

(6)

Main Target^t1¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Joe Bradnam⁽⁵⁾| T: K P De Foy| OR: 69

9/1

Scored as a 3yo for Richard Fahey and, while he's yet to fire for current stable, he was a bit better than the result at Newcastle last time and now has a tongue tie fitted.

Form: 51/7687

(3)

Shamshon²⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 9-0| J: Lorenzo Atzori⁽⁸⁾| T: S C Williams| OR: 58| D

25/1

Usually contests a lower grade of handicap and hasn't been operating at his best lately, so others preferred.

Form: 265357

Forecasts

As If By Chance (11/10), Brazen Bolt (7/4), Main Target (9/1), Expert Opinion (14/1), Cahors (16/1), Shamshon (25/1)

BRAZEN BOLT is a straightforward, likeable sort who knows how to get his head in front, so he gets the nod on the back of a pleasing return at Thirsk. Last week's Nottingham scorer, As If By Chance looks the main threat, although Main Target can't be completely dismissed.