Vertem Leading The Field Handicap

Off time: 15:32 | Winning time: 1m 16.16s

(1)

Asjad²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: P J McDonald| T: James Horton| OR: 104| CD

11/10

Has taken his form up a notch for his new yard, winning for the third time this season when leading close home over 6.5f here last month. Just behind Mums Tipple when good third at Ascot since and should be in the mix again back down in trip.

Form: 010013

(4)

Mr Wagyu^v¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: Jason Hart| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 103| D

12/1

Admirable sprinter who has enjoyed another good campaign, landing big pots at Epsom and the Curragh. Produced a rare below-par effort at York 2 weeks ago but type to bounce back.

Form: 105350

(5)

Dakota Gold¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods| OR: 100| CD

13/2

Left low-key reappearance well behind when notching sixth York success in May. Mixed record since, but latest fourth of 19 in Coral Sprint Trophy was one of his best efforts of the year. Off same mark here and this less competitive.

Form: 022094

(6)

Mums Tipple²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: R Hannon| OR: 99| D

10/3

Snapped a long losing run from a career-low mark when landing a five-runner handicap at Newmarket (6f) in August. Even better form when runner-up on last 3 starts, going down by 1½ lengths second in Challenge Cup at Ascot latest. Just denied by Asjad here penultimate start. Needs considering.

Form: 410222

(2)

Just Frank⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: D Allan| T: J L Eyre| OR: 96| D

8/1

Useful last season but not at best in handful of runs this term, ninth of 12 in handicap at Haydock (6f, heavy) 7 days ago, albeit racing closer to pace than ideal.

Form: 00-9209

(3)

Magical Spirit⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 96| CD

12/1

Showed smart form when winning this last season off 4 lb lower but has been out of sorts this term. Needs a revival.

Form: 12-5070

Forecasts

Asjad (11/10), Mums Tipple (10/3), Dakota Gold (13/2), Just Frank (8/1), Magical Spirit (12/1), Mr Wagyu (12/1)

DAKOTA GOLD isn't as consistent as he used to be but he's still capable of smart form and he arrives on the back of a good fourth at York 2 weeks ago. He could be the answer under suitable conditions. There was little to choose between Mums Tipple and Asjad the last twice (1-2 here and 2-3 at Ascot), and both can go well again.