18:15 Haydock

Sunday 4 August 2024

All15:4516:1516:4517:1517:4518:1518:45

Sky Bet, For The Fans Handicap

Off time: 18:16 | Winning time: 58.51s

(9)

Squealer³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Rowan Scott| T: N Tinkler| OR: 95| D

17/2

Added to his tally at Doncaster (5f) last summer and he comes here in good heart, second of 9 in handicap at that venue (5f, good to firm) 30 days ago, headed dying strides. Nudged up 1 lb as a result but he's respected in present groove.

Form: 7-27822

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(11)

Emperor Spirit^p,t⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: R M H Cowell| OR: 90

12/1

Each of his 3 career victories gained on all-weather but just as good on turf, running a cracker from the front when second of 13 in handicap (33/1) at Ascot (5f, good) 8 days ago. Another who can't be ruled out.

Form: 162-242

(3)

Existent⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Connor Planas⁽³⁾| T: S C Williams| OR: 88| D

7/1

Twenty five runs since last win in 2022 but went very close to bucking that trend when fourth of 13 in handicap at Ascot (5f, good) 8 days ago, keeping on late having not had a clear run around 2f out. Clearly on an attractive mark and he's worth a second look.

Form: 07-2044

(6)

Woolhampton^b⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Oliver Searle⁽⁵⁾| T: B R Millman| OR: 88| D

12/1

Belied market weakness when resuming winning ways at Windsor (5.1f) in June and continued in good heart, midfield in pair of competitive Ascot handicaps since. Should give another good account for all her mark demands a little more.

Form: 174166

(10)

American Affair⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: P Mulrennan| T: J S Goldie| OR: 88| D

5/2

Progressive sprinter who bagged his second victory of this series at Thirsk (5f) 7 weeks ago, travelling strongly and ultimately winning readily. Handicapper applies further pressure but manner of that success suggests he's not yet reached his limit. Big shout.

Form: 213-121

(7)

Jer Batt⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: T D Barron| OR: 87| D

9/2

Dual winner in 2023 who has confirmed he retains all of his ability in 2 starts since returning, 2¼ lengths third of 16 to American Affair in handicap at Thirsk (5f, good, 9/1) 49 days ago. Meets that rival on much more favourable terms here

Form: 2120-43

(4)

Harvanna³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 88| D

9/1

Progressive last summer and confirmed promise of York fifth 2 starts back when striking late at Doncaster (5f) 30 days ago, showing a good attitude to edge ahead close home. Should remain competitive up 2 lb.

Form: 1-42951

(5)

Intervention^p³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 84

14/1

Ran as well as he's ever done at this trip when close-up third at Doncaster on his penultimate start. Weakened out of things late having been up with the pace throughout when sixth of 12 in handicap at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 3 days ago.

Form: 739636

(1)

Zarzyni^e/c1⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 8-10| J: Connor Beasley| T: T D Barron| OR: 79| D

14/1

Twenty five runs since last win in 2022. 8/1, creditable fifth of 18 in handicap at York (5f, good to firm) 8 days ago, staying on final 1f. Eyecover on 1st time and whilst he's clearly on a competitive mark, he may have to settle for a minor role again.

Form: 027275

(8)

Rebel Path¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-6| J: Jack Doughty⁽⁵⁾| T: S C Williams| OR: 75

14/1

Successful on second of his 2 starts in France and has been finding his way for his current yard, respectable sixth of 14 in handicap at Yarmouth (6f) 10 days ago, despite not settling well. Well-run race back at the minimum trip could help in that regard.

Form: 783636

Non-Runners

(2)

Rhythmic Acclaim²

Weight: 8-2| Age: 4

T: P J McBride J: Non Runner

Forecasts

American Affair (5/2), Jer Batt (9/2), Existent (7/1), Squealer (17/2), Harvanna (9/1), Rhythmic Acclaim (10/1), Woolhampton (12/1), Emperor Spirit (12/1), Intervention (14/1), Zarzyni (14/1), Rebel Path (14/1)

AMERICAN AFFAIR set himself up nicely for a tilt at the £100,000 bonus when readily landing a second victory in this series at Thirsk 7 weeks ago and, whilst the handicapper has certainly had his say, the manner of that success suggests he may be up to the task. Jer Batt and Harvanna are others to consider, as is Existent, who was unlucky on his latest outing and lurks on a very attractive mark.