Rio Ferdinand Foundation Handicap

Off time: 20:08 | Winning time: 2m 14.93s

(3)

Cosmic Desert^h¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 87

9/4

Has failed to win in 5 starts but he has shown useful form, including when fourth in 1m Ascot handicap in a first-time hood (retained) 12 days ago. Return to 1¼m a help if anything.

Form: 32324

(1)

Maytree Respite¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: R Havlin| T: W Muir & C Grassick| OR: 86| D

11/2

AW novice winner in December. Couldn't justify strong market support on his 1m Doncaster handicap debut last month but showed why those betting vibes had been so strong when recording a useful effort to win over 1¼m at Newbury next time. Ought to remain competitive after a 3 lb rise.

Form: 61-431

(5)

Frantanck³²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 83

11/10

Improved from debut when landing 1m Goodwood maiden 5 months later. Advanced his form again when third under a penalty at Newmarket (1m again) last month. Could be be more to come from him now handicapping over further.

Form: 3-13

(2)

Dal Mallart¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: A King| OR: 79| D

13/2

Progressive in handicaps over 1¼m, winning for the second time when readily seeing off 10 rivals at Haydock 19 days ago. 9 lb rise forces her up in grade but it's likely there's more to come.

Form: 7-46131

Non-Runners

(4)

Wind Your Neck In⁷⁶

Weight: 9-9| Age: 3

T: P D Evans J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Frantanck (11/10), Cosmic Desert (9/4), Maytree Respite (11/2), Dal Mallart (13/2), Wind Your Neck In (20/1)

DAL MALLART is a filly who looks to be improving at a rate of knots and she gets the nod to take the step up in class in her stride. Frantanck has made steady progress in his 3 starts and the longer trip could suit now handicapping so he's feared most.