20:10 Newmarket

Friday 18 July 2025

All17:1517:5018:2519:0019:3520:1020:40

JCB Handicap

Off time: 20:10 | Winning time: 1m 26.74s

(7)

Ernie's Valentine^p¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: S D Bowen| T: R Burdon| OR: 68| D

16/1

Dual all-weather winner last year and had made a poor start for new connections this season prior to stopping the slide down in grade when fifth in a 7f Chelmsford handicap earlier this month. Handicapper dropped him a further 2 lb but overall turf strike rate tempers enthusiasm.

Form: 41-8805

(4)

Outrun The Storm³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: Barry McHugh| T: R A Fahey| OR: 67| CD

4/1

Had fallen to a career-low mark when running best race of this season to finish runner-up in a 7f Chester handicap (race he won in 2024 from a higher mark), unable to peg back a rival that made all from a plum draw. Still below his last winning mark and could be the pace angle here. Not ruled out.

Form: 830472

(1)

Renesmee^p²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Marco Ghiani| T: Michael Keady| OR: 65

7/2

Has proved consistent for new connections and was off the mark for this season when a 5-runner handicap at Nottingham (8.3f) last month, staying on to lead final 100 yards and only just holding on. Drop back to 7f in a race without much pace may not prove ideal but she's in fine heart at present.

Form: 58-2331

(8)

American Treasure^t1⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Jason Watson| T: S C Williams| OR: 65

20/1

Looked to have been brought along with handicaps in mind but has failed to improve, the latest when well held over 1m at Kempton 9 days ago. Drops back to 7f (with tongue tie fitted) for turf debut but has improvement to find.

Form: 34078

(9)

Waistcoat^t²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Paddy Bradley| T: R Burdon| OR: 64

7/2

Dual 6f winner this season and has proved himself every bit as effective over 7f, doing best of those held up when fourth at Chester in a higher grade prior to shaping well when staying-on fourth at Doncaster 3 weeks ago, having been forced to switch/concede first run. Makes plenty of appeal.

Form: 618144

(5)

Split Elevens⁹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: N Callan| T: J Butler| OR: 62| D

14/1

Proved remarkably consistent on the all-weather earlier this year, last seen finishing runner-up at Chelmsford over this trip in April. Has proven effective on turf and worth a market check with Neil Callan (who rode the stable's latest winner earlier this month) aboard for the first time.

Form: 341232

(3)

Enpassant¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: R Kingscote| T: M Herrington| OR: 58| D

10/3

Has rediscovered some form since leaving Stuart Williams and ran his best race of late having slid down the weights when third in a 14-runner handicap at Yarmouth (7f) 15 days ago, made smooth headway and stayed on. Remains one to be interested in off the same mark.

Form: 807473

(6)

Born A Rebel^t²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: Benoit D L Sayette| T: P Owens| OR: 57

20/1

Had been struggling earlier in the season but turned in her best effort of the campaign with a tongue strap on first time (retained) when fourth in a 6-runner handicap at Lingfield (6f), though clearly struggled for pace dropped to sprinting. 7f will suit better but she still has a bit to find.

Form: 39-9574

(2)

Saved Lizzie³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: Jack Dace⁽⁷⁾| T: R Eddery| OR: 53

16/1

Showed promise on the all-weather with two seconds last winter but remains unproven on turf. Couldn't make an impact from an unfavourable position at Nottingham on return and was too free back on the all-weather last month. Remains to be seen if she can find some form back on turf.

Form: 2247-66

Forecasts

Enpassant (10/3), Waistcoat (7/2), Renesmee (7/2), Outrun The Storm (4/1), Split Elevens (14/1), Saved Lizzie (16/1), Ernie's Valentine (16/1), Born A Rebel (20/1), American Treasure (20/1)

WAISTCOAT has looked every bit as good over 7f and arrives on the back of two very creditable efforts. He's marginally preferred to Enpassant who has found some form for new connections and looks potentially well-treated, while last time out winner Renesmee has been in fine heart this season and may go well again. Of the rest, Outrun the Storm could be the chief beneficiary if this becomes a steadily-run affair.