John Guest Racing Handicap

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 2m 33.35s

(4)

Juan De Montalban³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: J Mitchell| T: K P De Foy| OR: 99| CD

9/4

Firmly back on track for new yard, building on his Thirsk reappearance effort when running out wide-margin winner over C&D during early May. Shaped well for a long way in Copper House handicap (14f) here in June and this rates more suitable back down in trip.

Form: 470-410

(3)

Protected Guest³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: T P Queally| T: G G Margarson| OR: 94| D

33/1

Quirky sort who typically carried head high but that didn't prevent him adding to recent AW wins back on turf at Nottingham (14f) in April. Not figured in pair of big-field events since, albeit failing to stay in Ascot Stakes (20f) latest. Still, others make greater appeal.

Form: 132100

(6)

Jeremiah^b²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: Tom Marquand| T: A King| OR: 93| CD

10/1

Dual scorer for Charlie Fellowes (including over C&D) who shaped as if retaining all his ability on back of 13 months off when 7 lengths ninth of 15 at Sandown (10f) for new yard 3 weeks ago. Task is to build on that now.

Form: 805/30-9

(1)

Commonsensical^b¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Harry Davies⁽⁵⁾| T: H Palmer| OR: 92

9/2

4-y-o who has taken form up a notch this term, winning handicaps at Chepstow/Carlisle and career-best display when runner-up at Newmarket (12f) 2 weeks ago, headed 1f out but keeping on well. Very promising apprentice takes off valuable 5 lb and sound claims again.

Form: 37-1212

(2)

The Whipmaster²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: R L Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 89

15/8

4-y-o who comes here in the form of his life, overcoming pace bias and rise in class to land 4-timer at Windsor (11.5f) 4 weeks ago. Assessor applies further pressure but he may not have reached his limit yet. Player.

Form: 0-61111

(5)

Merlin's Beard⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: George Rooke| T: R Hughes| OR: 86| D

5/1

Progressive from a low base in 2021, completing 4-timer at Wolverhampton (14f) in September. Continued good work this spring, winning at Lingfield (12f) in May and form of latest Chester third is working out very well.

Form: 11-5123

Forecasts

The Whipmaster (15/8), Juan De Montalban (9/4), Commonsensical (9/2), Merlin's Beard (5/1), Jeremiah (10/1), Protected Guest (33/1)

THE WHIPMASTER has simply looked an all-round improved model this term, taking the rise in class in his stride and overcoming a pace bias to boot when completing the 4-timer with minimum fuss at Windsor 4 weeks ago. With the probability of more to come at this sort of trip, he earns the vote to continue the good work, with Commonsensical rating the chief threat. Juan de Montalban can also feature eased back down in trip.