Knights Handicap

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 2m 35.21s

(3)

Teumessias Fox²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Harry Davies⁽⁵⁾| T: A M Balding| OR: 85

6/4

AW novice winner who proved suited by the step up to 1½m when sixth of 19 in the ultra-competitive King George Handicap at Royal Ascot. Respected with Harry Davies taking 5 lb off his back this time.

Form: 3-31726

(1)

Silverscape⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Christian Howarth⁽⁵⁾| T: R A Teal| OR: 80

22/1

Won 2 of his 3 starts on the AW during the winter, but failed to make an impact when returning to action on turf debut at Bath (1¼m, good to soft) in May. Subsequently gelded.

Form: 15-14

(2)

First Officer¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Hollie Doyle| T: R Varian| OR: 80| D

10/3

Came good in second handicap when seeing off 2 rivals at Salisbury (1½m, good to firm) 16 days ago. In a bit deeper this time but he is unexposed at this trip.

Form: 37-541

(4)

Soulcombe^b⁸^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas| OR: 68| D

6/4

Well-bred son of Frankel who was a different proposition with blinkers added after a gelding operation when scoring readily on 11.5f Haydock handicap debut last week. Hard to stop under a penalty if the headgear continues to work.

Form: 0-551

Non-Runners

(5)

Sarsons Risk³⁴

Weight: 8-11| Age: 3

T: Ian Williams J: Jim Crowley

Forecasts

Soulcombe (6/4), Teumessias Fox (6/4), First Officer (10/3), Sarsons Risk (12/1), Silverscape (22/1)

If SOULCOMBE is in the same form as at Haydock last week then it's likely that he'll defy a penalty. Teumessias Fox acquitted himself well in a traditionally very strong 3-y-o handicap at the Royal meeting here last month and, with Harry Davies taking 5 lb off, is feared most ahead of First Officer.