16:05 Yarmouth

Wednesday 18 September 2024

All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0516:4017:15

Goffs Orby Handicap

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 1m 48.77s

(9)

Sierra Blanca¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: Tom Marquand| T: M Meade| OR: 92

40/1

Useful for Aidan O'Brien but has struggled in 3 handicaps since coming to Britain, albeit not far below the level of his best 2-y-o form when never-dangerous fifth at Sandown (10f, good) 18 days ago.

Form: 21/8-065

(6)

Arctic Mountain^p³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: S De Sousa| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 91

5/1

Won at Lingfield (10f, good to firm) in June but in first-time cheekpieces, possibly found race coming too soon when well beaten at York 6 days later (disqualified after losing weight cloth). Back on track from a 6 lb higher mark when fourth at Hamilton last month and headgear is reapplied.

Form: 2-321D4

(8)

Long Tradition^h⁴³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: Christian Howarth⁽³⁾| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 90

7/1

Hasn't stood much racing but has won twice at Chelmsford (impressive back from 20 months off on return in June 2023). Good effort in John Smith's Cup when last seen 14 months ago and looks interesting returning from a break from lower turf mark (yard had plenty success with similar types).

Form: 2182/15-

(1)

Roi De France⁶⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-11| J: K Shoemark| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 95

2/1

Runner-up first 2 starts and confirmed those positive impressions as he got off the mark with plenty in hand in 8-runner novice at Windsor (8.1f, good to firm) in July. Remains capable of better now handicapping upped in trip and looks one to keep onside.

Form: 2-21

(5)

Majestic⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: David Probert| T: J Channon| OR: 89| BF| D

8/1

Winless since landing the 2022 Cambridgeshire but has largely acquitted himself well since, including on all but one of his 5 starts this season. Closer to the pace than of late when third of 7 at Newmarket (10f, good to firm) in June and he's a strong candidate off the same mark.

Form: 4-54833

(7)

King's Code^v⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Rossa Ryan| T: P D Evans| OR: 87| D

22/1

Real success story for his yard, adding more wins at Southwell and Kempton (both 1m) at the start of the year. Proved he's as good on turf as AW when second at York (1¼m) in May but unable has struggled in competitive events since, posted wide without his usual headgear last time.

Form: 294890

(2)

Mythical Guest²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Harry Davies| T: G G Margarson| OR: 86| C

25/1

Course winner in April and doubled his account at Newmarket the following month. Below form when last of 8 in handicap at this course (10.1f, good) last month (encountered a wide trip) and looks an easy enough swerve once again.

Form: 512978

(4)

James Webb⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 88| C

3/1

Left a disappointing effort at Pontefract behind (possibly unsuited by conditions) when opening his account in 6-runner maiden at this course (10.1f, good) 6 weeks ago, making all and in command final 1f. Open to further improvement now heading into handicaps so shortlisted.

Form: 52251

(3)

Lunario^v1,t³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: K T O'Neill| T: Alice Haynes| OR: 78| C

12/1

Course winner in April and followed up Newmarket success at Hamilton last month. Upped markedly in grade for hat-trick bid but again ran well when close third at last-named track (9.2f, good) just over 5 weeks ago. Visor replaces usual blinkers and shouldn't be too far away.

Form: 223113

Forecasts

Roi De France (2/1), James Webb (3/1), Arctic Mountain (5/1), Long Tradition (7/1), Majestic (8/1), Lunario (12/1), King's Code (22/1), Mythical Guest (25/1), Sierra Blanca (40/1)

ROI DE FRANCE confirmed the promise of his first couple of starts when bolting up at Windsor in July and with further progress on the cards now handicapping, John & Thady Gosden's 3-y-o is fancied to follow up at the expense of Long Tradition, who returns after a lengthy absence from a lower turf mark from a yard who has enjoyed success with similar types previously. James Webb opened his account here 6 weeks ago and should have more to offer on handicap debut, too.