talkSPORT Powered By Fans Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 18:16 | Winning time: 1m 44.36s

(2)

Violeta¹²³

Age: 3| Weight: 10-2| J: Mark Winn⁽³⁾| T: B Haslam| OR: 72

9/4

Showed improved form on just her second handicap start when third of 10 to Monty Man at this course (7.1f) in November, running on after being badly hampered/forced to switch 3f out. Off since but still merits consideration.

Form: 33543-

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(1)

Silver Nightfall⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 10-1| J: Billy Loughnane⁽³⁾| T: Miss Gay Kelleway| OR: 71| C

6/5

Winner here in January and has found only one too good on both handicaps starts since. Should remain competitive.

Form: 27-122

(3)

Margaret's Fuchsia^p1¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-11| J: Christian Howarth⁽³⁾| T: Miss Gay Kelleway| OR: 67

12/1

Thrice-raced maiden who improved again when second of 9 in maiden (18/1) at Chelmsford City (8f) 17 days ago, albeit no match for winner. Cheekpieces on for handicap debut and needs considering.

Form: 3-42

(4)

Direct Hit^p²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Sean Kirrane| T: T D Easterby| OR: 63

7/2

Fair maiden who showed improved form (after 7 weeks off) when second of 7 in C&D handicap 24 days ago. Good chance of going one better.

Form: 07750-2

(6)

Oskar^t¹⁵¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Alex Jary⁽⁷⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 51

25/1

Has yet to show any ability but at least now gets a crack at handicaps.

Form: 8994-

Non-Runners

(5)

Monty Man⁵

Weight: 10-2| Age: 3

T: K R Burke J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

Forecasts

Silver Nightfall (6/5), Violeta (9/4), Direct Hit (7/2), Monty Man (7/1), Margaret's Fuchsia (12/1), Oskar (25/1)

DIRECT HIT was much improved when second over C&D last month and a reproduction of that form could be good enough to see him get off the mark. Silver Nightfall ought to remain competitive, with Violeta also feared returning from a break.