20:00 Epsom Downs

Thursday 3 August 2023

All17:4818:2018:5519:3020:0020:30

Betfred Play Fred's 5 Million Handicap

Off time: 20:01 | Winning time: 1m 48.78s

(3)

Sly Madam^p²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-4| J: George Bass⁽³⁾| T: Miss S West| OR: 82| CD

10/3

Much sharper for return when resuming winning ways at Windsor in April. In-and-out form since but wasn't seen to best effect at Ascot last time and she's a previous C&D winner, so not without hope.

Form: 258026

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(2)

Bear On The Loose^h⁴³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Benoit D L Sayette| T: K P De Foy| OR: 81

5/1

Off the mark at the second attempt in a novice at Yarmouth in April. Folded tamely at Newcastle next time but has had a break since and remains with potential.

Form: 317

(4)

Dumfries⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Rhys Clutterbuck| T: M P Tregoning| OR: 79

11/2

Well supported and showed improved form when easily winning 12-runner maiden at Southwell in March. Back on track despite not getting home at Sandown last time and return to this trip should help. Can't be ruled out.

Form: 425-184

(6)

Almarin^v²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: H Crouch| T: P Owens| OR: 78

18/5

Ran well at Doncaster in June and benefited from a drop back in trip when a good second at York despite a slow start last month. Has a bigger effort in him if he can break on terms.

Form: 1-08242

(7)

Serious Look^p1,t¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Connor Planas⁽⁵⁾| T: G Boughey| OR: 76| C

10/1

Course winner who ran to form despite seeming unsuited by the drop in trip at Yarmouth last time. Strong claims returning to a more suitable distance with cheekpieces on for the first time.

Form: 147-555

(1)

Desfondado²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Paddy Bradley⁽³⁾| T: S Dow| OR: 74| CD

10/3

Got a race run to suit and stepped up considerably to run out a ready winner over C&D 3 weeks ago. May do better still, so merits strong consideration.

Form: 367371

Non-Runners

(5)

Cobalt Blue¹⁴

Weight: 9-5| Age: 3

T: R Varian J: J Mitchell

Forecasts

Sly Madam (10/3), Desfondado (10/3), Almarin (18/5), Cobalt Blue (4/1), Bear On The Loose (5/1), Dumfries (11/2), Serious Look (10/1)

SERIOUS LOOK got back on track after a breathing operation when fifth at Yarmouth last time and he has the potential to do better with cheekpieces applied back up in trip. Desfondado is a danger following his clear-cut C&D win recently and Cobalt Blue can't be ruled out.