Monarch Classic Concours Arts & Elegance Handicap

Off time: 16:36 | Winning time: 1m 39.06s

(2)

Commanding Prince⁴⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: L Morris| T: A Watson| OR: 82| D

6/4

Well-bred son of Too Darn Hot duly built on debut promise when taking a 1m Newcastle novice prior to following up at the same course over 7f 46 days ago, winning with plenty to spare. Return to 1m should suit on his first turf run and he remains unexposed. Strong claims of landing the hat-trick.

Form: 211

(5)

Island Bandit^b¹²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: R Kingscote| T: H Main| OR: 74| D

9/2

Winner of a pair of 1m turf handicaps in 2023 but has been hit and miss on the all-weather more recently. Underperformed when sixth of 7 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f) back in January. Needs to bounce back on return from 4 months off.

Form: 47025-6

(1)

Star Pupil^b¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Finley Marsh| T: R Hughes| OR: 74| BF

17/2

Twice a winner on the all-weather this year and wasn't seen to best effect when twelfth of 16 in handicap at Chelmsford City (8f, 4/1) 17 days ago, slowly away and not clear run final furlong. Should be competitive on turf debut.

Form: 124210

(3)

Thapa VC^t¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 8-10| J: Jim Crowley| T: M G Rimell| OR: 67

9/4

Shaped as though still in good form when fourth of 7 in handicap at this course (10.2f, firm, 11/2) 15 days ago, only just staying the longer trip. Should be competitive off 1 lb lower back over a mile.

Form: 377584

(4)

My Ambition³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 8-4| J: Tyler Heard| T: D J Coakley| OR: 61| CD

9/1

3-time C&D winner shaped as if better for the run after 7 months off when 13/2, creditable fourth of 12 in handicap at this C&D (good to firm) 31 days ago. Respected now only 1 lb above his last winning mark.

Form: 02140-4

Forecasts

Commanding Prince (6/4), Thapa VC (9/4), Island Bandit (9/2), Star Pupil (17/2), My Ambition (9/1)

The well-bred COMMANDING PRINCE is very much unexposed on his handicap debut. He can land the hat-trick at the expense of fellow turf debutant Star Pupil, who has already bagged 2 wins on the all-weather this year. Thapa Vc and My Ambition both made pleasing reappearances at this track last month and can fight it out for minor honours.