18:43 Haydock

Friday 5 July 2024

All18:0818:4319:1819:5320:2521:00

Jill Wilcox-Jones Memorial Handicap

Off time: 18:44 | Winning time: 2m 28.62s

(6)

Panthera²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: D Egan| T: D Menuisier| OR: 76

9/1

Cracksman filly who, despite looking rough around the edges improved on her opening exploits granted the run of things when fourth of 13 in a Kempton maiden (11f) 23 days ago. Looks the type to make her mark in handicaps now stamina is tested further.

Form: 734

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(1)

Across Earth¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: S D Bowen⁽⁵⁾| T: M Botti| OR: 75

10/1

Solid start in handicaps when second at Southwell (12f) in March and dispelled a lesser effort at Sandown (gelded in interim) when third in a C&D maiden 2 weeks ago. Possible he'll come on for that and rider takes off handy 5 lb ahead of return to handicaps.

Form: 34-2203

(2)

Miss Alpilles^h1⁵⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: J P Spencer| T: E Walker| OR: 73

10/1

Bred to stay well and having displayed promise in maidens, she wasn't at her best when eighth of 10 on handicap debut at Ascot (10f) in May. Steps up in trip now with a hood fitted and she's certainly not one to write off.

Form: 3648

(5)

Mister Daydream¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 72

14/1

1m nursery winner at Bath last summer who returned with an improved display when third of 5 at Carlisle (11.2f) in June. Took a backward step when last of 5 at Redcar (10f) 2 weeks ago so bounce back called for now.

Form: 6142-35

(8)

Spartan Warrior^p⁵²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Rob Hornby| T: Ollie Sangster| OR: 71| D

5/1

Improved further when making it back-to-back wins in 9-runner handicap (7/4) at Beverley (12.1f, good to firm) in May, rallying to lead again line. That race has thrown up winners and capable of making another bold bid nudged up 3 lb.

Form: 80-7611

(3)

Aulis²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R M Beckett| OR: 70

6/4

Ulysses gelding who displayed some promise in novice events at 2 yrs and fair form in trio of in-the-frame efforts at around 12f in recent months. Stable continue in fine form and he's one to consider.

Form: 63-7332

(7)

Spanish Vega⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: H Crouch| T: K P De Foy| OR: 67| BF

9/2

Lightly-raced maiden. 3/1, confirmed improvement shown on previous start when fourth of 10 in handicap at Pontefract (10f, good to soft) 42 days ago, aided by a good position. Greater emphasis on stamina is worth exploring here.

Form: 9-6544

(4)

Bradman⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: C Lee| T: C Fellowes| OR: 65| D

25/1

Dual winner of middle-distance handicaps on AW in January and largely consistent in defeat thereafter. Proved too free after 3 months off at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 5 days ago but likely he'll prove vulnerable to less exposed sorts back on turf.

Form: 242355

Forecasts

Aulis (6/4), Spanish Vega (9/2), Spartan Warrior (5/1), Panthera (9/1), Miss Alpilles (10/1), Across Earth (10/1), Mister Daydream (14/1), Bradman (25/1)

AULIS has proved consistent in defeat behind upwardly-mobile sorts in handicaps in recent starts and, with the Ralph Beckett stable firmly amongst the winners, he could be worthy of siding with to shed the maiden tag. Spartan Warrior has improved for the application of cheekpieces and is feared in his hat-trick bid. Across Earth and handicap-debutante Panthera are others to consider.