16:55 Haydock

Friday 8 September 2023

All13:3014:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:55

Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap

Off time: 16:55 | Winning time: 3m 7.53s

(5)

Caldwell^p,t1⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: P Mulrennan| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 74

22/1

Hurdles winner who opened his account on the Flat at Kempton (2m) last spring and followed that with a series of creditable efforts in defeat. However, below par so far this year (in this sphere and over hurdles) and needs to get back on track now tried in a tongue strap (cheekpieces also refitted).

Form: 4236-56

(1)

Alpine Stroll^b¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: E De Giles| OR: 74| D

11/2

Successful twice in Nottingham handicaps at up to 2m last season. Yet to get his head in front this time round but hit the crossbar twice in June (in higher-grade handicaps than this) and, if forgiven his latest below par display at Sandown, he would have to have a chance back in 0-75 company.

Form: 982248

(8)

C'mon Kenny^p²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: L Morris| T: Ian Williams| OR: 72

5/1

Last-gasp winner at Pontefract in June but below form since, finishing nearer last than first upped to 2m at Nottingham last time. Capable of a bold show off this mark if he were to put his best foot forward but others are more appealing all the same.

Form: 031058

(2)

Cool Party^p³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: F Norton| T: C Johnston| OR: 75

13/2

Winner of 8.6f Wolverhampton novice on sole 2-y-o start and while it's fair to say that he hasn't kicked on so far in 2023, he's now 9 lb lower compared to the start of the campaign and this will be just his second go at this trip. Not discounted.

Form: 1-50438

(3)

Marmara Sea³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 75

4/1

Lightly-raced maiden who was placed in 1½m novice events at Lingfield (AW) and Newmarket (good) on first 2 starts of this season. Beaten a fair way last time but she needs a second look now handicapping over this new trip (dam stayed 14.4f) and with William Buick in the hot-seat.

Form: 7-04234

(6)

Can Can Girl^v¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 65| BF

7/1

Hasn't tasted success since scoring on 2022 reappearance but she's now 5 lb below that winning mark and has performed with credit on all 4 starts for new yard this season. Trip/ground fine and she should make her presence felt.

Form: 56-3233

(4)

Double Oban²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: C Lee| T: H Palmer| OR: 72

4/1

Opened his account in a novice event at Leicester (11.8f, firm) in May and best effort since when finding just one too good returned to this trip at Wolverhampton 3 weeks ago. Very much one to consider back on turf off an unchanged mark.

Form: 251442

(7)

Alshadhian¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Rob Hornby| T: R M Beckett| OR: 70| BF

7/1

Showed ability in maiden/novice company but failed to raise his game when pitched into a handicap on AW debut at Lingfield (1½m). Though it's entirely possible that this stiffer test will aid his cause, one or two of these boast more compelling claims.

Form: 4-454

Non-Runners

(9)

Sharp Distinction²⁵

Weight: 10-0| Age: 4

T: Miss A Murphy J: A J Farragher

Forecasts

Marmara Sea (4/1), Double Oban (4/1), C'mon Kenny (5/1), Alpine Stroll (11/2), Cool Party (13/2), Alshadhian (7/1), Can Can Girl (7/1), Sharp Distinction (8/1), Caldwell (22/1)

Easy enough to make cases for the majority of these and the suggestion is ALPINE STROLL, who has done most of his racing at a slightly higher level this season and will have a serious chance if bouncing back from a low-key display at Sandown. Can Can Girl has been threatening to come good for her new yard and is feared most, while Sharp Distinction remains of interest. Double Oban needs considering, too, on the back of a solid effort on the all-weather.