Shipstones Best Turned Stout Handicap

Off time: 17:15 | Winning time: 3m 36.60s

(1)

Agathon^p1³³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Kaiya Fraser⁽³⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 60

12/1

Ex-Joseph O'Brien gelding has made little impact in two starts for current connections. Cheekpieces fitted and steps up markedly in trip for handicap debut. Others preferred.

Form: 40/65

(3)

Captain Potter^p⁷⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Ben Robinson| T: B Ellison| OR: 59| BF| D

7/2

Winner of 2m Catterick handicap in October but failed to back that up when disappointing at the same venue subsequently. Struggled over hurdles in the winter but has been given a break and no surprise to see a better effort returned to the Flat.

Form: 5/56314-

(4)

Incan Empire¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: George Wood| T: Harry Eustace| OR: 60

9/4

Lightly-raced gelding ran his best race to date when third of 6 in handicap at Wolverhampton (14f) 19 days ago. May be more to come over this longer trip back on turf.

Form: 006-543

(2)

Fashionelle^p¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Gina Mangan| T: A Forbes| OR: 56

4/1

Dual hurdles winner for Fergal O'Brien and landed a maiden at Wolverhampton (9.5f) on debut for current yard. Has been running respectably in handicaps on the all-weather without looking especially well-treated. Needs to improve for the step up to 2m returning to turf.

Form: 6-18534

(5)

Toby Tops^b,t²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Billy Loughnane| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 56| D

9/4

Lightly-raced gelding was off the mark on the all-weather last month, improved to win 10-runner handicap at Southwell (16.5f), came from an unpromising position and met trouble in running in a slowly-run race. Serious chance if he can repeat that effort back on turf.

Form: 66-6861

Forecasts

Toby Tops (9/4), Incan Empire (9/4), Captain Potter (7/2), Fashionelle (4/1), Agathon (12/1)

TOBY TOPS made up ground in the style of a well-handicapped horse when off the mark at Southwell last time, and he may be able to follow up from 3 lb higher back on turf. A winner of a 2m handicap last season, Captain Potter could bounce back after a break, while Incan Empire isn't ruled out if staying this longer trip.