16:15 Beverley

Wednesday 14 August 2024

All14:1514:4515:1515:4516:1516:5017:20

Jill Willows Handicap

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 1m 31.57s

(1)

Orbaan^t¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 87| D

7/4

Won the Goodwood Golden Mile in 2022 and back on the scoresheet when taking the Carlisle Bell in June. Not seen to best effect in latest running of the former race 12 days ago but looks the one to beat back in class 4 company.

Form: 390140

(2)

Urban Sprawl^p¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Rossa Ryan| T: C Johnston| OR: 85| D

15/2

In good form on the AW towards the end of last year but well beaten in 2 runs back in good handicaps this summer. This an easier assignment at least.

Form: 3223-90

(7)

Pearl Eye^b⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Jason Watson| T: Darryll Holland| OR: 85| C| D

9/1

Four-time winner at up to 8.5f last term and perfect start to this season when striking at Pontefract in May. Creditable efforts at around 1¼m since, but was possibly amiss when last seen at Newmarket (8f, good to firm) just under 7 weeks ago. Blinkers back on and gelded since last seen.

Form: 44-1445

(4)

Havana Blue¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Ryan Sexton| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 84| D

9/1

Had dipped below his last winning mark (when trained by Clive Cox) but again ran below form when fifth of 6 in handicap (17/2) at Sandown (8f, good to firm) 2 weeks ago. Headgear left off and has work to do.

Form: 0-86765

(5)

Mudamer^p¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: S H James| T: G A Harker| OR: 82| CD

6/1

Won this corresponding event last year. 25/1, last of 10 in handicap at Thirsk (8f, good) 11 days ago, not unduly punished. Now 1 lb below that last winning mark but others arrive with more pressing claims.

Form: 261-600

(6)

Olympic Candle²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Sean Kirrane| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 85| D

11/4

Two wins from 3 starts as a juvenile and not seen to best effect on his sole start at Meydan during the winter. Below best on both outings returned to these shores (gelded prior to latest) but he's low mileage and could still have more to offer.

Form: 311-054

(3)

Respectful^t1³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Gina Mangan⁽³⁾| T: Dr R Newland & J Insole| OR: 83| DWS

22/1

Won final 2 starts as a 2-y-o but ran poorly on return/handicap debut. 33/1 and gelded, fared little better on first outing since leaving K. R. Burke (21,000 gns) after 8 weeks off when eighth of 9 in handicap at Ascot (8f, good) last month. Has had a wind op since and a tongue strap goes on.

Form: 5411-08

Forecasts

Orbaan (7/4), Olympic Candle (11/4), Mudamer (6/1), Urban Sprawl (15/2), Havana Blue (9/1), Pearl Eye (9/1), Respectful (22/1)

A few in with a squeak but the vote goes to veteran ORBAAN, who can have a line put through his effort in the Golden Mile at Goodwood earlier this month and David O'Meara's charge holds a distinct class edge over his rivals. He can get the better of Olympic Candle, who has few miles on the clock and this return to a sounder surface should suit. Pearl Eye, who was possibly amiss at Newmarket last time, can fill out third.