Guildford Handicap

Off time: 19:49 | Winning time: 2m 14.17s

(1)

If Not Now¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: H Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 87| BF

11/10

Off the mark at the first attempt at Salisbury (8f) last autumn and ran to a similar level when third over a longer trip at Haydock (11.6f, good to firm) 17 days ago. Remains with potential on handicap debut.

Form: 1-3

(2)

God Of Fire¹³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: S M Levey| T: S C Williams| OR: 82

11/4

Improved with each start thus far, latest when taking 12-runner maiden (5/2) at Wolverhampton (9.5f) in January. Likely more to come now sent handicapping.

Form: 54-1

(3)

Blue Universe⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: W Buick| T: C Johnston| OR: 76

85/40

Much improved (had wind operation since last run) when narrowly taking 6-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 41 days ago. Entitled to build on that and remains fairly treated on turf debut.

Form: 5433-1

Forecasts

If Not Now (11/10), Blue Universe (85/40), God Of Fire (11/4)

Preference is for BLUE UNIVERSE, who showed a good attitude when opening his account at Wolverhampton last month and remains low mileage. Both his rivals are open to improvement in a tight contest, with God of Fire narrowly preferred for the forecast spot.