20:00 Chepstow

Thursday 8 August 2024

All17:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:0020:30

tote Guarantee Available At tote.co.uk Racing League 20 Handicap (Trainers Registered To Racing League)

Off time: 20:00 | Winning time: 2m 9.9s

(5)

King Lear^p1¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Billy Loughnane| T: G Boughey| OR: 92| BF

4/1

Off the mark second time up at Nottingham last season and ran at least as well in defeat when runner-up at Goodwood. Down the field in handicaps since, however, running up to best when 3¼ lengths sixth of 12 to Rathgar at Yarmouth (10.1f, good) on return 2 weeks ago. Headgear on.

Form: 4126-6

(1)

Have Secret¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: O J Orr| T: R A Fahey| OR: 90| D

3/1

Several good runs in defeat last year and has returned with promising placed efforts over this trip at York and Yarmouth in recent weeks. Bold show likely.

Form: 2755-23

(9)

Rathgar¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: David Probert| T: J Channon| OR: 89| D

5/1

Narrow winner at Goodwood in May and resumed winning ways in 12-runner handicap at Yarmouth (10.1f, good, 25/1) 2 weeks ago, well suited by a positive ride back down markedly in trip. Player up 4 lb.

Form: 313201

(3)

Fantasy Believer²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-6| J: Saffie Osborne| T: E Walker| OR: 84| D

9/1

Newmarket winner off 2 lb lower a year ago and looked as good as ever when making a winning return after 9 months off at Ascot 4 weeks ago under this rider. Needs considering.

Form: 13849-1

(7)

Qitaal⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 82| D

3/1

Made a winning return at Doncaster in March and plenty of decent efforts in defeat since, faring best of those held up at Wolverhampton last week.

Form: 955346

(4)

Selwan^p1⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: T E Whelan| T: Ian Williams| OR: 78| D

25/1

Three-time winner in France but proved most disappointing on these shores last year for Alan King. Some encouraging signs for new yard in recent months before well held at Chester last time. Headgear back on.

Form: 80-7545

(6)

Financer¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: J P Sullivan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 79| BF| D

13/2

Progressive 3-y-o who was much improved when making winning handicap bow at Redcar before following up at Haydock. Clear of the rest when runner-up ay Doncaster 2 weeks ago and remains of interest.

Form: 5-35112

Non-Runners

(8)

Arthur's Realm²⁷

Weight: 10-0| Age: 6

T: E A L Dunlop J: Daniel Muscutt

(2)

Diderot⁵²

Weight: 9-8| Age: 6

T: J Ferguson J: K Stott

(10)

Lady Of Arabia¹⁴

Weight: 8-12| Age: 4

T: Eve Johnson Houghton J: Charles Bishop

Forecasts

Have Secret (3/1), Qitaal (3/1), King Lear (4/1), Rathgar (5/1), Financer (13/2), Fantasy Believer (9/1), Arthur's Realm (10/1), Lady Of Arabia (12/1), Diderot (12/1), Selwan (25/1)

HAVE SECRET is shaping up very well and is 3 lb better off with Rathgar having finished ¾ length behind him in a similar event at Yarmouth 2 weeks ago. Improving 3-y-o Financer is high on the shortlist, while Fantasy Believer did well to win at Ascot on his comeback last month.