17:55 Epsom Downs

Thursday 20 July 2023

All17:5518:3019:0019:3520:0520:40

Steve Donoghue Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 17:56 | Winning time: 1m 45.79s

(3)

Silver Screen^h¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: Jonny Peate| T: Jack Jones| OR: 72

7/1

Having found it tough in listed company on her penultimate outing, soon returned to form when fourth of 7 in handicap at Yarmouth (1m) a fortnight ago, doing her best work finish despite having raced freely. Can give her running again.

Form: 90-5254

(1)

New Heights^p1²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Tyler Saunders⁽³⁾| T: J G Portman| OR: 72| CD

4/1

After a low-key start to the season, got back on track when runner-up at Salisbury (1m) in June. Not in the same form when fourth of 7 at Leicester next time, but she's on a workable mark with cheekpieces now on first time.

Form: 7-66424

(6)

Kimifive¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: C J Todd| T: Ian Williams| OR: 71| C

5/1

Gained his first win in over 3 years at this course (7f) last summer and ran well at Carlisle next time. Failed to come on for his recent run when mid-field here 15 days ago, but he's not one to write off back down in grade.

Form: 6120-75

(9)

Darvel^b¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: Benoit D L Sayette| T: P R Chamings| OR: 70

7/1

Back down in trip, took advantage of a drop in grade when winning at Brighton (1m) 16 days ago, scoring with plenty in hand. Remains well treated on old form so he's not taken lightly.

Form: 075371

(5)

Oh Herberts Reign⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Alec Voikhansky⁽³⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 70

9/2

Having fallen a long way in the weights, took a step back in the right direction when fifth of 9 at Goodwood (9f) last time, despite needing a stronger gallop. Task is now to build on his latest effort.

Form: 343605

(7)

Goldsmith^h¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Christian Howarth⁽³⁾| T: Alice Haynes| OR: 68

7/2

Dual all-weather winner during the winter and good third back from a break at Lingfield in March. Not seen to best effect next 2 starts and, after 10 weeks off, shaped well on turf when third at Sandown (1m) 13 days ago. Major player.

Form: 1-13383

(2)

Rivas Rob Roy^b²³

Age: 8| Weight: 9-4| J: Connor Planas⁽³⁾| T: J Gallagher| OR: 60

14/1

Completed a quick-fire hat-trick at Brighton (all at 1m) when landing 6-runner handicap 23 days ago, forging ahead to score with something to spare. Up in grade but he's respected in his current form.

Form: 562111

(4)

Roundabout Silver¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Paddy Bradley| T: S Dow| OR: 59

12/1

Dropped below his last winning mark and turned in his best effort of the season when third of 7 to Darvel at Brighton (1m) 16 days ago. Faces a tougher task now back up in grade.

Form: 62-8063

(8)

Plymouth Rock^p¹⁹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 8-9| J: Georgia Dobie| T: L Carter| OR: 46

80/1

Fifteen runs since last win in 2020 and, after 12 weeks off, finished well held in minor event at Kempton (1m) when last seen in January. Cheekpieces back on as he returns from 6 months off.

Form: 95504-8

(10)

Rainbow Sign^t¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 8-9| J: Aidan Keeley| T: M Pattinson| OR: 45

125/1

Won twice at Lingfield (both 7f, AW) in 2022 and best effort this year when third at the same C&D in April. However, well below form at Brighton last 2 starts, so it's easy enough to look elsewhere.

Form: 605389

Forecasts

Goldsmith (7/2), New Heights (4/1), Oh Herberts Reign (9/2), Kimifive (5/1), Darvel (7/1), Silver Screen (7/1), Roundabout Silver (12/1), Rivas Rob Roy (14/1), Plymouth Rock (80/1), Rainbow Sign (125/1)

Back on turf, GOLDSMITH shaped well having been left with plenty to do at Sandown 13 days ago and he's on a workable mark based on his all-weather form. The 4-y-o can build on his latest effort to record a first success on this surface, though Darvel arrives on the back of a win last time and is feared most. Kimifive completes the shortlist.