Betsi Handicap

Off time: 19:01 | Winning time: 2m 8.16s

(3)

Haunted Dream¹⁹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Connor Planas⁽⁵⁾| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 94| CD

6/1

Reliable sort who progressed steadily in handicaps last year, adding to his tally at Southwell (11.1f) in September. Cracking third in Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket (12f) final start and claims on return under promising rider.

Form: 532213-

(6)

Simply Sondheim¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: P Cosgrave| T: G Boughey| OR: 90| D

10/3

Six wins from 10 runs last year. Career best when making winning return in 9-runner handicap (7/1) at Kempton (11f) 19 days ago, readily. Expected to be thereabouts again from 3 lb higher mark.

Form: 11110-1

(2)

Civil Law¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Billy Loughnane⁽⁵⁾| T: R A Teal| OR: 89| D

9/4

Successful 4 times last year, latterly back-to-back Wolverhampton handicaps (at 9.5f). Creditable fifth of 14 in handicap (16/1) at Lingfield (10f, AW) 13 days ago, finishing with running left. Should give another good account with Billy Loughnane taking off very handy 5 lb.

Form: 9911-75

(5)

Court Of Session⁶⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Harry Burns⁽³⁾| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 88| C

13/2

Three wins from 9 runs last year. Latest win here in November. 15/2, twelfth of 13 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 66 days ago. That was a rare below par effort on all weather and he can bounce back to form.

Form: 512-830

(4)

City Streak²³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 84

9/2

Improved when opening his account in a Wolverhampton novice (9.5f) in July and stepped up further to finish runner-up both starts in turf handicaps thereafter, latterly at Goodwood (9.9f) in August. Strong chance he can step up again this term.

Form: 332122-

(1)

Aqwaam¹⁷⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-7| J: K T O'Neill| T: Ian Williams| OR: 78

6/1

Built on earlier promise to open his account in 11.8f handicap at the Galway Festival last year. Not in same form in 3 starts thereafter but did travel well for a long way when fifth on final start at Newmarket (12f) in October. Completely unexposed on AW and market should guide here.

Form: 601085-

Forecasts

Civil Law (9/4), Simply Sondheim (10/3), City Streak (9/2), Haunted Dream (6/1), Aqwaam (6/1), Court Of Session (13/2)

An intriguing contest with the narrow vote in favour of CITY STREAK. He ended last term on the up, beaten only by one who subsequently finished runner-up at listed level and, still low mileage on all-weather, it's likely he can do better again as a 4-y-o. The likeable Haunted Dream and prolific winner Simply Sondheim are others fancied to be in the mix.