Melanie Stocks 60th Birthday Handicap

Off time: 16:31 | Winning time: 1m 47.42s

(2)

Arthur's Realm^p²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-11| J: Rossa Ryan| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 82| BF| D

2/1

Eighteen runs since last win in 2022. 5/2, fifth of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (8f, AW) 20 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and this is a slightly easier race back on turf.

Form: 5374-35

(6)

Shaladar¹⁶²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 82| D

13/2

Twelve runs since last win in 2022. 11/2, bit below form sixth of 12 in handicap at Newcastle (8f). Off 162 days but is very capable fresh. Usual cheekpieces left off, though.

Form: 223626-

(1)

Westernesse¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 77| D

2/1

Shaped well on reappearance and wasn't seen to best effect when fourth of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (10.2f) 17 days ago, needing stronger gallop. Well worth another chance back in trip.

Form: 2313-34

(3)

Beltane⁸⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 73| CD

7/2

C&D winner. Hooded for first time, respectable sixth of 10 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW, 5/1) 80 days ago, running on. Back up in trip.

Form: 667-956

(4)

King Sharja²³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: J P Sullivan| T: Mrs R Carr| OR: 69

33/1

Lightly-raced maiden. Last of 12 in handicap (50/1) at Pontefract (8f, heavy) 23 days ago. Lot to prove.

Form: 5/73-90

(5)

Temper Trap¹⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 8-9| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 66| D

20/1

Three wins from 16 runs last year. Eighth of 11 in handicap at Newcastle (8f, 22/1). Off 163 days and return to turf will suit.

Form: 447328-

Forecasts

Arthur's Realm (2/1), Westernesse (2/1), Beltane (7/2), Shaladar (13/2), Temper Trap (20/1), King Sharja (33/1)

WESTERNESSE wasn't seen to best effect at Newcastle 17 days ago but it's far too soon to forget the promise of his reappearance and back in trip on this return to turf, he's the most persuasive option. Arthur's Realm dips slightly in class and is feared most, ahead of Beltane.