18:40 Goodwood

Friday 16 June 2023

All17:3018:0518:4019:1519:5020:20

William Hill Epic Boost Handicap

Off time: 18:40 | Winning time: 3m 4.04s

(3)

Juan Bermudez^p,t³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 84

12/1

Raised his game when narrowly prevailing from the front upped to 2m at Kempton in November. Hasn't gone on from that effort in 3 starts since, though, running no sort of race in first-time cheekpieces at Chester on his latest outing.

Form: 4319-40

(9)

Vaynor⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: K Stott| T: C Hills| OR: 83| D

6/1

Enjoyed a productive campaign in 2022, recording his fourth success of the year when scoring at Chelmsford (13.3f) in November. Well held after 6 months off at Newmarket last time, though possibly unsuited by soft conditions. No surprise to see him bounce back.

Form: 54211-0

(11)

State Of Bliss¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Charles Bishop| T: N B King| OR: 83

18/1

Useful handicapper at best on the Flat for Charlie & Mark Johnston, winning at Ripon last April. Campaigned over hurdles this year for current yard, landing the odds in 4-runner maiden at Fakenham (2m, good to firm) 12 days ago. On a workable mark back on the level.

Form: 508037-

(4)

Military Two Step^b1³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 83

8/1

Won twice in 2022 and made the frame on the all-weather first 2 starts this year. However, hasn't quite been in the same form since, never really threatening when mid-field at Chester (18.6f) in May. Needs to get back on track in first-time blinkers.

Form: 1-43658

(7)

Ravens Ark³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: H Morrison| OR: 80

11/4

After 7 months off, ran well with the headgear left off when second of 8 in handicap at Ascot (12f, soft) in May, taking second the near line. Races off his last winning mark and he's a major player back up in trip.

Form: 03349-2

(8)

Get Back Get Back^t³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-5| J: Saffie Osborne| T: H Fry| OR: 80

10/1

Fairly useful on the Flat when trained by Clive Cox in 2018/2019. Has only had one start on the level for current yard (in June 2020), but won handicap hurdle at Kempton (2m) in November and he looks to be on a fair mark back in this sphere.

Form: 148637/

(2)

Crescent Lake²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: T P Queally| T: G & J Moore| OR: 80| CD

9/2

A dual winner at Dundalk, better than ever on third outing for current yard when successful at Chelmsford (14f) in April. Transferred that form to turf when also winning at this C&D the following month and again ran well at Salisbury last time. Shortlisted.

Form: 831414

(10)

Songo^h²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: Jim Crowley| T: M F Harris| OR: 78| D

14/1

Showed improved form on the level in 2022, making it 3 wins from his first 5 starts of the year when successful at Salisbury (14.2f) in July. Hasn't been in the same form since then, though, losing all chance at the start back at Salisbury on his return.

Form: 21996-9

(1)

Wilderness^b²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 9-3| J: George Downing| T: J W Mullins| OR: 78| D

15/2

After a spell over jumps, caused a surprise when making a winning return to the level at Salisbury (14.2f) last summer. Possibly needed the run when down the field at this C&D in May, and duly returned to form when runner-up back at Salisbury 20 days ago. Respected.

Form: 295-492

(5)

Buxted Reel^h³³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: J P Fahy| T: Ian Williams| OR: 68

12/1

Gained reward for his consistency when getting off the mark at Wolverhampton (12.2f) last August. However, down the field both starts so far this season, possibly amiss at Hamilton last month. Hood back on but others more persuasive.

Form: 1624-60

Non-Runners

(6)

Aced It²⁸

Weight: 9-9| Age: 7

T: C Poulton J: Ray Dawson

Forecasts

Ravens Ark (11/4), Crescent Lake (9/2), Vaynor (6/1), Wilderness (15/2), Military Two Step (8/1), Get Back Get Back (10/1), Buxted Reel (12/1), Juan Bermudez (12/1), Songo (14/1), State Of Bliss (18/1), Aced It (20/1)

RAVENS ARK shaped encouragingly on his reappearance when runner-up at Ascot a month ago, keeping on well having been hampered under 2f out, so he can build on that effort to return to winning ways back up in trip. Wilderness bounced back to form last time and could be the main danger, ahead of Crescent Lake.