14:45 Thirsk

Tuesday 9 April 2024

All14:1514:4515:1515:4516:1516:4517:1517:45

Abate The Champ Handicap

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 2m 59.73s

(7)

Real Terms¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: Oliver Stammers| T: Grant Tuer| OR: 77| D

9/2

Displayed a good attitude when resuming winning ways at Southwell (11.1f) in March and far from disgraced when fourth of 6 in handicap at Newcastle (16.2f) 17 days ago. Drop back down in trip rates a plus and forecast conditions will hold no fears.

Form: 6-87314

(4)

Dark Jedi¹⁶¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-11| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 77| BF| D

13/2

Fairly useful gelding who was winless last term, failing to build on his encouraging second at Catterick when well beaten back at that venue in October. Mark has come down plenty but he's often needed his first run of the season to bring him on.

Form: 584425-

(8)

Enochdhu¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman| OR: 73

11/4

Stepped up plenty on his comeback run last term when a comfortable winner at Windsor (11.5f, soft) in May and best effort thereafter when runner-up at Sandown (14f, heavy) in August. Exploits mixed thereafter but likely he'll sharpen up for last month's Kempton return fifth.

Form: 92084-5

(5)

Natchez Trace¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: Zak Wheatley⁽⁵⁾| T: D Carroll| OR: 69| D

33/1

Resumed winning ways from the front at Southwell (12f) last June and similar form when placed at Chester (12.3f) a month later. Largely disappointing since though, and he needs to leave last month's Doncaster reappearance in his wake here.

Form: 87700-9

(6)

Clansman¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Billy Garritty| T: L Bailey| OR: 69| D

3/1

Latest win at Ayr in October. Excellent second of 16 in handicap back from 5 months off at Chelmsford City (14f, 40/1) 11 days ago. Looks competitive on form.

Form: 02139-2

(1)

V Twelve²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Todhunter| OR: 66

11/2

A fair winner for Ed Walker in 2022 who posted just about his best effort yet for present yard when scoring over hurdles at Wetherby (2m, heavy) 3 weeks ago, jumping on 2 out and staying on well. Interesting if he can back that up returned to the Flat from career-low mark in this sphere.

Form: 1/04456-

(10)

Ebony Maw¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 8-10| J: Jason Hart| T: Ewan Whillans| OR: 62

9/1

Successful twice in staying handicaps last season, latterly at Catterick (15.9f, heavy) in October. Possibly needed first start for 4 months when fifth of 6 in handicap (20/1) at Newcastle (12.4f) 17 days ago and underfoot conditions will pose no fears here.

Form: 21319-5

Non-Runners

(9)

A Gift Of Love¹¹⁰

Weight: 9-8| Age: 4

T: C Fellowes J: Harry Davies

(2)

Lawmaker¹³

Weight: 9-6| Age: 4

T: M L W Bell J: Non Runner

(3)

Bearaway³¹

Weight: 8-13| Age: 6

T: S Spencer J: D Swift

Forecasts

Enochdhu (11/4), Clansman (3/1), A Gift Of Love (3/1), Real Terms (9/2), V Twelve (11/2), Dark Jedi (13/2), Ebony Maw (9/1), Lawmaker (10/1), Bearaway (14/1), Natchez Trace (33/1)

There were definite signs of encouragement to glean from A GIFT OF LOVE's exploits in maiden/novice events late on last year and, very much the type to improve further as she gains experience, Charlie Fellowes' well-bred filly is expected to go well now handicapping equipped with a first-time hood. Enochdhu, with a reappearance run under his belt, is respected back on turf along with Clansman. Real Terms can also get in the mix.