racingtv.com Handicap

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 1m 44.48s

(6)

Dubai Icon⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Hollie Doyle| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 107| CD

6/1

Bolted up at Meydan in January but badly disappointed on all 3 subsequent starts at that track, 16 lengths ninth of 16 in Group 2 on final start a couple of months ago. 1 of 2 for yard in fine form and usual headgear left off on return to handicap company (C&D winner).

Form: 72-1009

(2)

Caradoc²²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: David Egan| T: E Walker| OR: 98| D

9/2

Ran to a similar level as on reappearance when finishing runner-up at Goodwood just over 3 weeks ago, the only one to get near a progressive one at the top of his game. Respected back in trip.

Form: 03/42-52

(3)

Dubai Mirage^p⁹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: D Tudhope| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 97| D

11/8

Reliable proposition in Meydan earlier this year, signing off when runner-up in a big-field handicap 3 months ago. Looked temperamental on these shores last year (carried head awkwardly) but his yard couldn't be in much better order at present.

Form: 448-242

(1)

Dark Shift¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: C Hills| OR: 91| C| D

3/1

Ended 2021 on the up and can have a line put through his reappearance effort having ended up well away from where the action unfolded at Ascot 15 days ago. Sort to go on again this term, so he merits consideration.

Form: 84611-0

(5)

Baldomero¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: L Morris| T: M Appleby| OR: 89

28/1

Took his form up a notch for new connections when winning over 1m2f at Kempton in March but well held returned to turf (good to firm ground) twice since and bit to prove here.

Form: 212580

(4)

Austrian Theory⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 97

14/1

Useful performer who returned with a solid third in a listed event at Newmarket but has failed to beat a rival on both subsequent starts. Makes handicap debut today and sole 3-y-o in the line-up would be folly to dismiss down in grade.

Form: 342-346

Forecasts

Dubai Mirage (11/8), Dark Shift (3/1), Caradoc (9/2), Dubai Icon (6/1), Austrian Theory (14/1), Baldomero (28/1)

Cases can be made for most but preference is for DARK SHIFT. He ended 2021 on the up and with his reappearance effort in the Victoria Cup easily excused, he's fancied to regain the winning thread. Caradoc was the only one to get near a progressive sort at Goodwood earlier this month so he's fancied to fill the runner-up spot once again.