Chapel Down Classified Stakes (Str)

Off time: 15:47 | Winning time: 1m 46.98s

(3)

Colour Image^t⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Ray Dawson| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 85| D

15/2

Got off the mark in handicaps when taking 4-runner event at Bath (1m) in June, bumped last ½f and just holding on. However, proved easy to back and failed to match that when last of 6 at Sandown (1m) 44 days ago. Work to do.

Form: 700-616

(2)

Oh This Is Us¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 9-9| J: Tom Marquand| T: R Hannon| OR: 87| CD

14/1

Veteran who bagged a Listed and Group 3 event in the first half of 2021. His powers appear to be on the wane judged on this season's evidence though, well held on return from 11 weeks off at Newbury (1m) 14 days ago.

Form: 037406

(5)

United Front¹⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Frederick Larson⁽⁵⁾| T: M Appleby| OR: 89| D

11/4

Enjoyed a fine AW campaign over the winter, winning pair of handicaps in December prior to good third in Lincoln Trial in March. Wasn't at his very best on turf/AW thereafter but returns to action with yard in good form.

Form: 7-32305

(6)

You're Hired⁶²

Age: 9| Weight: 9-9| J: Saffie Osborne⁽³⁾| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 90| D

15/2

Won 3 times in 2021 and returned at the top of his game when third at Lingfield (10f) in February. Below that level since, well held in a class 2 handicap at Sandown (10f) on his latest start in July. Break needs to have perked him up.

Form: 4-30560

(4)

Al Marmar¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: R L Moore| T: A M Balding| OR: 90| CD

10/11

Useful sort who showed improved form having been gelded to double career tally in a C&D handicap in July, overcoming a pace bias in the process. Similar form in defeat both starts since, caught further back than ideal when fifth at York (7.8f) 2 weeks ago. Big player.

Form: 140125

Non-Runners

(1)

Carolus Magnus²⁷

Weight: 9-9| Age: 4

T: A M Balding J: David Probert

Forecasts

Al Marmar (10/11), Carolus Magnus (2/1), United Front (11/4), Colour Image (15/2), You're Hired (15/2), Oh This Is Us (14/1)

AL MARMAR showed improved form when doubling his tally over C&D in July and, having performed with credit both starts in defeat subsequently, Andrew Balding's 3-y-o is fancied to come out on top. Stablemate Carolus Magnus may emerge as the main danger, ahead of the returning United Front.