Hallgarten Wines Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 20:42 | Winning time: 2m 35.53s

(5)

First Officer³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Alexandra Egan⁽⁷⁾| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 77| D

11/4

Successful twice in 2024, including on the other course here (9f, soft) in September, and has acquitted himself well in 2 of his 3 starts at up to 11.4f on fast ground this year. Unlikely to be far away but, at the same time, he will probably find one or two too good once again.

Form: 512-487

(6)

Shahbaz²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: Ryan Kavanagh⁽⁵⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 73

10/3

Gained first success since landing a nursery on the Rowley Mile back in 2022 when narrowly prevailing in a 1¼m Chelmsford handicap during the spring. On the downside, he needs to bounce back following a couple of very low-key performances.

Form: 721847

(3)

Little Saver^p1³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Liam Wright⁽⁵⁾| T: H Palmer| OR: 73

11/2

Didn't shape badly on first 2 starts, but latest display at Doncaster represented a step in the wrong direction and needs to get back on track now pitched into a handicap with first-time cheekpieces enlisted. Gelded.

Form: 535

(2)

Babylon²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Jack Nicholls⁽⁷⁾| T: Harry Eustace| OR: 72| BF

11/8

Having displayed ability in maiden/novice company, he stepped up when second on handicap debut at Yarmouth (1¼m, good to firm) in April. Has performed to a similar level both subsequent starts, including when upped to this trip at Goodwood last time, and should give another good account.

Form: 65-5233

Non-Runners

(1)

Bondi²⁵

Weight: 9-1| Age: 3

T: R Hannon J: Joe Leavy

(4)

New York Minute²⁸

Weight: 8-12| Age: 3

T: R M Beckett J: R Kingscote

Forecasts

Babylon (11/8), First Officer (11/4), Bondi (3/1), Shahbaz (10/3), New York Minute (4/1), Little Saver (11/2)

Given that BONDI pulled nicely clear of the rest with the runner-up when scoring on his handicap bow at Goodwood, this 5 lb higher mark looks more than manageable, even before taking into account his potential, as an unexposed colt from a leading yard. New York Minute failed to progress when just behind Babylon at that course on his first run in a handicap, but this track is likely to prove more suitable and he is taken to reverse the placings with that rival and emerge as the main danger.