14:25 Newmarket

Saturday 14 May 2022

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

TRU7 Handicap

Off time: 14:26 | Winning time: 1m 11.71s

(4)

Romantic Time¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: J Mitchell| T: W Stone| OR: 94| D

33/1

Fairly useful filly who won 3 of her 7 starts at 2yrs, including a Salisbury Group 3. Not disgraced in Nell Gyn Stakes at Newmarket on return and excuses at Chelmsford since. Others look better treated back in a handicap, however.

Form: 1817-60

(7)

Harry Three^h¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox| OR: 91| D

9/2

Won both his races in 2021 and showed improved form when placed in C&D handicaps last 2 starts. Should go well again.

Form: 11-4532

(6)

I'm A Gambler⁶^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 85| D

9/1

Won 3 nurseries last season. Returned with a solid second at Beverley before resuming winning ways by a nose at Hamilton last week, taking form to another level. More needed again under a penalty.

Form: 0193-21

(9)

Ernie's Valentine^b1,t¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Mohammed Tabti⁽⁷⁾| T: P & O Cole| OR: 89| D

10/1

Won 3 times from 6 starts last season and shaped promisingly after 7 months off when sixth of 13 in handicap at this C&D (good) 14 days ago, closing up well from a long way back. Respected with headgear applied.

Form: 06118-6

(8)

River Pride¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 89

14/1

Nursery winner on the AW final 2-y-o start and improved again to make a winning return in 5-runner handicap at Salisbury (7f, good to firm, 13/2) 2 weeks ago, plenty in hand. 8 lb higher now and this is more competitive, but hard to discount back down in trip.

Form: 23391-1

(2)

Pocket The Profit¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: H Crouch| T: G Boughey| OR: 88| D

12/1

Enjoyed a purple patch in the autumn, winning 4 nurseries within the space of 14 days. Added to his tally in good style at Pontefract on return and excuses both starts since. Remains of interest.

Form: 117-145

(5)

Auditor¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: M Meade| OR: 87

8/1

Signed off progressive 2-y-o campaign by winning a Windsor maiden in decisive fashion, and good start to this season when runner-up on handicap debut at Sandown (5f, good). Excuses at Chester next time and worth another chance.

Form: 431-27

(3)

Gold Medal⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: David Egan| T: R Hughes| OR: 86| D

25/1

Made a winning debut at Doncaster before not disgraced in listed race at Wolverhampton at 2 yrs. Improved when defying a penalty at Lingfield on return but only fifth of 9 on handicap bow at Kempton since.

Form: 15-15

(1)

Lir Speciale¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Ray Dawson| T: R Varian| OR: 82| D

6/1

Showed plenty when placed in 2 AW novices before off the mark on turf debut at Doncaster 2 weeks ago, not needing to improve to land the odds. Makes handicap debut. May well do better.

Form: 231

(10)

Haymaker¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: Harry Davies⁽⁷⁾| T: H Morrison| OR: 81| C

9/4

Performed with credit when placed first 3 starts last year. Didn't live up to market expectations on handicap debut at Ascot next time but made amends when making a winning return here (7f) 2 weeks ago. The speed he showed that day suggests the step back in trip shouldn't be a problem.

Form: 3234-1

Forecasts

Haymaker (9/4), Harry Three (9/2), Lir Speciale (6/1), Auditor (8/1), I'm A Gambler (9/1), Ernie's Valentine (10/1), Pocket The Profit (12/1), River Pride (14/1), Gold Medal (25/1), Romantic Time (33/1)

A competitive handicap sprint for 3-y-os. HAYMAKER showed good pace when making a winning return over 7f here 2 weeks ago and could have more to come back at this trip, so shades the vote over Harry Three, who took his form to another level when placed over this C&D the last twice. Lir Speciale is a useful prospect heading into handicaps and is another to consider.