15:15 Goodwood

Saturday 26 August 2023

All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:2516:55

William Hill Handicap

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 1m 32.4s

(4)

Shining Blue⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: K Shoemark| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 108| D

11/2

Produced a smart effort to win a 7f York handicap in May and again shaped relatively well when second in a 1m listed event, not particularly convincing with his stamina for the longer trip. Underperformed in Bunbury Cup last time but prior efforts would put him in the mix.

Form: 137120

(10)

Star Of Orion²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: H Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 97| D

5/2

Ended a 2-year losing run in 7-runner handicap at Newmarket in July and built on that effort with a fine third in the 27-runner International at Ascot a week later. Operating at his best at present and isn't taken lightly.

Form: 6-22613

(1)

Rhoscolyn^t²²

Age: 5| Weight: 8-9| J: Cieren Fallon| T: D O'Meara| OR: 91| CD

11/4

Back to winning ways in 11-runner C&D handicap (2/1) at this course (heavy) 22 days ago. Wasn't in the same form turned out quickly in the Golden Mile next time but remains with possibilities from this sort of mark and is shortlisted.

Form: 009210

(3)

Sluzewiec⁹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-6| J: Elisha Whittington⁽⁵⁾| T: S Dixon| OR: 88| D

50/1

Ex-French colt (formerly trained by Jean-Cloude Rouget) offered little when starting out for new connections behind Shining Blue at York in May. More required to get involved.

Form: 117-619

(6)

Urban Sprawl¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: Connor Planas⁽³⁾| T: C Johnston| OR: 92| CD

7/1

Took form up another notch when winning over C&D in May before posting a fine third in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. Hasn't beaten a rival on either outing since, though, and has bit to prove now.

Form: 319369

(7)

Saxon King³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-4| J: Saffie Osborne| T: C Hills| OR: 91| BF

3/1

Made a winning return at Newmarket in May before doubling his tally for the season at Chester the following month. Raced too freely when fifth of 12 in handicap (3/1) at Newmarket (8f, good to soft) 35 days ago but would hold frame claims if back to his best.

Form: 1-13105

Non-Runners

(5)

Bless Him²⁸

Weight: 9-5| Age: 9

T: D M Simcock J: James Doyle

(8)

Ramazan¹⁶

Weight: 9-0| Age: 3

T: R A Fahey J: Billy Garritty

(2)

Ropey Guest²

Weight: 9-4| Age: 6

T: G G Margarson J: Non Runner

(9)

Crazy Luck¹⁹

Weight: 8-2| Age: 5

T: B R Millman J: Rose Dawes

Forecasts

Star Of Orion (5/2), Rhoscolyn (11/4), Saxon King (3/1), Ramazan (9/2), Shining Blue (11/2), Bless Him (13/2), Urban Sprawl (7/1), Ropey Guest (8/1), Crazy Luck (20/1), Sluzewiec (50/1)

RHOSCOLYN posted several good efforts from higher marks last season, and having confirmed himself as back in form by winning here earlier in the month, he's fancied to gain a second win of the campaign, with a quick turnaround a plausible excuse for an underwhelming effort last time. Star of Orion has found his groove again lately, though the highest draw presents a minor concern, whilst the progressive 3yo Ramazan and Thursday's York winner Ropey Guest also merit plenty of respect.