17:25 Sandown

Saturday 8 July 2023

All13:5014:2515:0015:4016:1516:5017:25

Coral 'Get Closer To The Action' Handicap

Off time: 17:27 | Winning time: 2m 9.74s

(3)

Abu Royal³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-11| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: C Johnston| OR: 82

9/1

Dark Angel colt who made race-by-race progress in novice/maiden company this spring, off the mark at the third attempt at Ayr (1m) in May. However, that form nothing special and he never figured on handicap debut last month. Longer trip needs to unlock some improvement.

Form: 6216

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(2)

Ribal⁶⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A M Balding| OR: 79| BF

11/4

Steady improver in novice/maidens, runner-up on return at Doncaster (10.2f, heavy) in April. Didn't convince with his application on handicap debut at Redcar (10f) a month later (hung badly left) but gelded since and too soon to be writing off.

Form: 53-26

(8)

Orchestra^v1¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 79| D

7/2

Scored at Beverley (10f) in May and made the frame both starts since, plugging on for third at Redcar (10f) 15 days ago. Interesting connections opt for a visor now and he's of interest with William Buick an eye-catching booking.

Form: 6-52133

(9)

Ramensky^p²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 78

11/2

Gelded/blinkered for 1st time, looked a better model when opening his account in an AW novice in February. Reportedly lost action next start but back on track following another break when third in a C&D handicap 3 weeks ago, keeping on final 1f. Not ruled out in re-fitted headgear.

Form: 742-1P3

(1)

Miller Spirit²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: T P Queally| T: G & J Moore| OR: 78

13/2

Australia colt who has displayed fair form in a trio of novice/maiden contests at up to 10f. Never threatened on his latest outing at Windsor 26 days ago but switch to handicaps rates a plus here and worth noting if the market speaks in his favour.

Form: 4-46

(10)

Lisboa^b1¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 73

17/2

Has a pedigree of contrasts and showed plenty on 2 of his 3 starts in novice events at 7f. Seemingly not 100% on handicap bow at Kempton (1m) 10 days ago but he makes a pretty quick turnaround and yard's runners always command respect. Blinkers on 1st time.

Form: 56-50

(6)

Blue Yonder²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 72| BF| D

8/1

Back-to-back winner of handicaps at around 10f in May and produced best effort yet when second (clear of remainder) at Wetherby (10f) 2 starts back. Found run of good form coming to a halt at Haydock (10f) 23 days ago but he rates a likely type to bounce back.

Form: 731127

(4)

Hakuna Babe⁴⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: K Shoemark| T: W Jarvis| OR: 72

11/1

Hasn't had a hard time to date and her pedigree indicates that she should be better than an opening mark of 72, so can't be ruled out. Well worth noting if the market speaks in her favour.

Form: 4-40

Non-Runners

(7)

Entrancement⁶³

Weight: 9-10| Age: 3

T: D Menuisier J: J P Spencer

(5)

Mythical Guest³⁷

Weight: 9-6| Age: 3

T: G G Margarson J: Jim Crowley

Forecasts

Ribal (11/4), Orchestra (7/2), Entrancement (9/2), Ramensky (11/2), Miller Spirit (13/2), Blue Yonder (8/1), Lisboa (17/2), Abu Royal (9/1), Hakuna Babe (11/1), Mythical Guest (12/1)

This looks wide open and with that in mind the vote goes to ORCHESTRA. An improved model this term (successful at Beverley in May), he's been far from disgraced both starts in handicaps since and the application of a visor could just eke out a little more. Ramensky and Entrancement are others to consider, with Ribal also interesting having been gelded.