16:50 Ascot

Saturday 27 July 2024

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:4016:1516:5017:25

Betfred Handicap (Str)

Off time: 16:52 | Winning time: 1m 44.09s

(8)

Sean³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-3| J: Saffie Osborne| T: J A Osborne| OR: 106| D

14/1

Making second start for current yard, at least as good as ever when narrowly denied in a Meydan Group 3 (9.9f, good) in February. Wasn't discredited on belated handicap debut in Royal Hunt Cup at this C&D (firm) last time, but looks on a tough enough mark.

Form: 423640

(4)

Raadobarg^p,t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: S De Sousa| T: G Boughey| OR: 99| D

40/1

It's now nineteen runs since last win in 2022 and his form has been going the wrong way this season, finishing well held when tenth of 11 at Newcastle (7.1f) last month. Has something to prove at present.

Form: 0-37900

(7)

Baradar^p,t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: D Egan| T: G Boughey| OR: 98| C

40/1

Landed the International Stakes here last year but is yet to fire in the current campaign, seventh of 11 at Newcastle (7.1f) on his latest outing. Mark continues to ease, though his best form has been on ground softer than good.

Form: 0-54707

(2)

Silver Sword^p1²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Rhys Clutterbuck| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 98| D

12/1

Three-time winner (at up to 8.1f) last season who wasn't disgraced when mid-field in Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. However, struggled to make much impact in a Sandown handicap (10f, soft) 3 weeks ago. Cheekpieces now reached for.

Form: 52-4887

(10)

Elnajmm³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 96| D

11/8

Lightly-raced 4-y-o who, having been gelded, proved a class apart when landing handicap at Newcastle (8f) on his return in June, impressing with how he travelled through the race. Up 10 lb but there could be lots more to come. Leading contender.

Form: 2/221-1

(6)

Bopedro⁵⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 9-7| J: Rossa Ryan| T: D O'Meara| OR: 96| D

7/1

Has been shaping up well, third at York in May before unsuited by the way race developed when mid-field at Epsom (8.5f, soft) next time. Withdrawn at the start ahead of intended latest outing at Royal Ascot, but he's worth another chance.

Form: 478837

(11)

Tempus^b¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 9-7| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Watson| OR: 96| CD

11/1

Won twice in Group company in 2022 and proved that retains ability when runner-up in listed race at Kempton in December. Largely below form this year, but bounced back when second in a Newmarket handicap (8f, good to soft) 16 days ago. Task is to build on latest effort.

Form: 450702

(9)

Sterling Knight^p¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 93| C| D

10/1

Returned to best when winning at Newbury (7f) in June and, having a belated first try at this trip, left behind a lesser effort at Royal Ascot when narrowly getting the better of Tempus at Newmarket (good to soft) last time. Yet to win from a mark this high, though.

Form: 306101

(3)

Tolstoy¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: W Buick| T: B Ellison| OR: 86

17/2

Hasn't always been the most straightforward, but continued his resurgence for his present yard when completing hat-trick in 18-runner contest at York (7f, good to soft) 15 days ago. Scored readily last time and he's not taken lightly in his current form.

Form: 5-50111

(1)

Bennetot⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: Mark Winn⁽³⁾| T: D O'Meara| OR: 85

28/1

Useful performer in France and seems to be gradually working his way back to form, conceding first run when fourth of 11 at Ripon (8f, good) a week ago. Back up in grade but he's not written off from his reduced mark.

Form: 00-0734

(12)

Great Blasket^b⁴²

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: Billy Loughnane| T: Dr R Newland & J Insole| OR: 84| D

12/1

Enjoying a prolific campaign, making it four wins from 5 starts when scoring at Nottingham in June. After just 2 days off, again ran well upped in grade when sixth of 15 at Sandown (8f, good to soft) last time and he can give another good account.

Form: 111216

(5)

Obelix^h1³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: J P Spencer| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 84| D

12/1

Having undergone a wind op, turned in best effort of the season when runner-up to Great Blasket at Nottingham in June. Backed up that performance 8 days later when a keeping-on fourth at Redcar (8f, good to firm), so he's one to watch out for with hood added.

Form: 60-0024

Forecasts

Elnajmm (11/8), Bopedro (7/1), Tolstoy (17/2), Sterling Knight (10/1), Tempus (11/1), Obelix (12/1), Great Blasket (12/1), Silver Sword (12/1), Sean (14/1), Bennetot (28/1), Raadobarg (40/1), Baradar (40/1)

ELNAJMM was impressive when making a winning seasonal/handicap debut at Newcastle a month ago and he could still have plenty more to offer after only 5 career starts so far. The 4-y-o is taken to see off the challenge of the thriving Tolstoy, who is respected in his bid for the 4-timer, with Bopedro completing the shortlist.