vertem.co.uk Handicap

Off time: 16:06 | Winning time: 3m 19.85s

(5)

Nemean Lion⁷⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: R Havlin| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 100

12/1

Useful performer in France for Andre Fabre who opened account on penultimate outing in September 2020 at Longchamp. Better form when runner-up in Group 2 there a month later and not seen since (sold for £18,000). Probably best watched on first start for new yard.

Form: 326212/

(1)

Dark Jedi²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-11| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 95

13/2

Scored at Ayr (13f) in June and has remained in decent heart, albeit while leaving the impression that the handicapper has him about right. Made little impression stepped up to 2¼m at Chester last month and a return to this trip more suitable.

Form: 724569

(2)

Traila³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: D M Simcock| OR: 91

5/2

Looked useful in novice company for Sir Michael Stoute. Only fifth of 8 on his Newmarket handicap/stable debut in August but proved himself on a fair mark at the second attempt when edged out close home at Yarmouth just over 5 weeks ago. Up 3 lb for that near miss but respected.

Form: 51-352

(3)

Torcello^b1¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: S Lycett| OR: 86

18/1

Arrives out of sorts, a first-time tongue strap failing to spark any sort of revival at Goodwood 12 days ago. Blinkers now tried.

Form: 10-6008

(4)

Almuhit^b²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 92| BF

10/11

Brother to Oaks winner Taghrooda. Off the mark in 9-runner novice at Haydock (11.6f) back in May and shaped much better than the bare result on return/handicap debut when runner-up at Kempton last month (left poorly placed). Upped significantly in trip today and surely has a lot more to offer.

Form: 4812

Forecasts

Almuhit (10/11), Traila (5/2), Dark Jedi (13/2), Nemean Lion (12/1), Torcello (18/1)

This looks to revolve around ALMUHIT, who was well backed and shaped much better than the bare result when runner-up on return/handicap debut at Kempton last month, never nearer having been left poorly placed. With further progress anticipated now stepping up in trip, he's strongly fancied to come out on top. Traila looks the obvious danger having found just one too strong at Yarmouth last month, with Dark Jedi rounding off the shortlist.