Mel & Claire Big Birthday Bash Nursery

Off time: 17:55 | Winning time: 1m 27.30s

(4)

Sir Albert¹⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-9| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 80

13/8

€165,000 purchase from a good family who improved again to win an 11-runner novice at Newcastle (6f) 15 days ago. Makes handicap debut and could well have more to offer over this longer trip back on turf.

Form: 451

(1)

Champion Island²⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-6| J: Jason Hart| T: C Johnston| OR: 77| D

13/8

Starspangledbanner colt is going the right way and got off the mark in straightforward fashion when making all in a 3-runner maiden at Chelmsford City (7f) 29 days ago, for all he had little to beat. Well drawn to attack on handicap debut and could take some pegging back.

Form: 541

(5)

Steel Drum¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Georgia Dobie| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 73

13/2

Has showed gradual progression for longer distances, best effort on final qualifying run when second of 12 in novice at Kempton (7f) 16 days ago. Makes handicap debut and open to further improvement back on turf.

Form: 642

(3)

Paroda Diva^p1⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: L Morris| T: J S Moore| OR: 73| D

20/1

Steadily progressive, winning 7f Lingfield maiden in May and ran well on first run in a nursery when second of 5 at Kempton (7f, 8/1) 8 days ago. Ought to remain competitive with cheekpieces on first time.

Form: 537152

(2)

Dubai Time³¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-7| J: A Mullen| T: H Palmer| OR: 64

11/2

Showed a bit on debut over 5.5f at this track but hasn't progressed. Starts life in handicaps from a lowly mark and no surprise to see her make a greater impact now.

Form: 566

Forecasts

Sir Albert (13/8), Champion Island (13/8), Dubai Time (11/2), Steel Drum (13/2), Paroda Diva (20/1)

CHAMPION ISLAND is drawn to attack and may be able to make all just as he did when getting off the mark at Chelmsford last month. He can continue his progression, as might fellow last time out winner Sir Albert who looks set to be suited by the step up to 7f on handicap debut. Of the rest, Dubai Time didn't progress as expected following her debut but could make more of an impact now handicapping.